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Iran Fights Like Viet Cong With Underground Missile Bases, Says Warfare Expert

Austrian warfare analyst Tom Cooper compares Iran's current military strategy to the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong, utilizing extensive underground bases for missiles and drones. He explains that while these facilities can be located via satellite, penetrating and destroying them has proven nearly impossible for Israeli and American forces. Cooper highlights the profound redundancy in Iran's military infrastructure, allowing it to sustain operations for an extended period. His analysis follows the major escalation in West Asia triggered by US-Israeli strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation.

Key Points: Iran's "Viet Cong" Warfare Could Prolong Conflict: Analyst

  • Iran uses vast underground networks for missiles and UAVs
  • Destroying these fortified sites is extremely difficult
  • Military system has significant built-in redundancy
  • Conflict could continue for weeks or longer
2 min read

"Iranians fighting like Viet Cong of '60s": Austrian warfare analyst Tom Cooper on possibility of prolonged conflict

Austrian analyst Tom Cooper says Iran's underground missile networks create major redundancy, making a prolonged war of attrition likely against US-Israel strikes.

"Look, Iranians are fighting like Viet Cong in South Vietnam of the '60s. - Tom Cooper"

New Delhi, March 21

Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper has said that Iran's continued missile launches despite sustained airstrikes point to significant redundancy and resilience in its military infrastructure, raising the possibility of a prolonged conflict.

Responding to a question on whether the situation indicates a shift towards a war of attrition, Cooper said Iran's strategy resembles guerrilla tactics seen in past conflicts. "Look, Iranians are fighting like Viet Cong in South Vietnam of the '60s," he said in an interview with ANI.

He explained that, much like the extensive tunnel networks used during the Vietnam War, Iran has developed underground systems to sustain its operations. "Nowadays, Iranians are doing that but for their missiles and UAVs. That means they have so many missile bases under the ground," he noted.

While such facilities can be identified, destroying them remains a major challenge. "They are obviously easy to find with help of satellite reconnaissance--but penetrating and destroying them has proven next to impossible with usually available means, or the means in hands of Israelis and Americans," Cooper said.

He added that even advanced weaponry may not guarantee success. "They could theoretically destroy them using this giant... GBU-57 super bunker-buster... but even that is not certain," he said, pointing to the limited number of such munitions available.

Highlighting the depth of Iran's military preparedness, Cooper stressed the extent of redundancy built into its system. "Iran has... so much built-in redundancy that they can really continue like this for weeks longer," he said.

His remarks follow the significant escalation in West Asia that erupted after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military figures. This prompted retaliatory drone and missile strikes by Iran against Israel and US assets in the Gulf nations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Vietnam comparison is apt. It proves that willpower and clever strategy often outweigh sheer firepower. However, I hope our media and analysts don't glorify this conflict. Any war is tragic for the common people caught in between. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Underground missile bases? Sounds like a page from our own history during the wars. Resilience is key. But let's be clear, this escalating tension in West Asia is bad for global stability and oil prices. India has a big stake here for energy security.
S
Sarah B
While the tactical analysis is fascinating, the human cost gets lost. The article mentions senior figures dying, but what about civilian casualties? Every conflict analysis should center that. Hoping for de-escalation and diplomacy.
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Vikram M
The expert makes good points, but the "Viet Cong" analogy might be oversimplifying. The geopolitical context is completely different. Also, as an Indian, my primary concern is how this affects our diaspora in the Gulf and our imports. Government needs to have contingency plans ready.
K
Karthik V
Building redundancy is smart, but a war of attrition drains a country's economy and youth. Hope our strategic thinkers are watching and learning the right lessons—prioritize deterrence and diplomacy, not just underground bunkers. Jai Hind.

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