Chinese satellite service companies are “scanning” Crete and the eastern Mediterranean, attempting to locate the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, which is reported to have departed from its base in Souda and headed toward the coasts of Israel to participate in the joint US and Israel strike.
The People’s Republic of China is reportedly conducting information operations and this activity is taking place within the Greek continental shelf, before the vessel approaches Cyprus, according to Chinese media outlets.
The text notes that new satellite images record the course of the American aircraft carrier toward Israel, as well as the concentration of American air forces in the Middle East.
The Chinese company MizarVision published images of the USS Gerald Ford shortly after its departure from Crete.
It is clarified that this is a private technology and analytics company based in Hangzhou (according to other sources Shanghai), which was founded in 2021.
It specializes in the analysis of high resolution satellite imagery, the use of artificial intelligence for geospatial recognition and the monitoring of military and strategic facilities.
In another publication by the same company, three V-22 Osprey aircraft are presented at Duqm airport in Oman, as well as an Arleigh Burke class destroyer at the port of the same city.
The author underlines that the presence of the V-22 Osprey is of particular importance, as these specific aircraft are used for special operations and for transporting personnel to areas without developed aviation infrastructure.
Satellite captures activity of the USS Ford aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. pic.twitter.com/RC89d8hYuq
— MizarVision (@MizarVision) February 27, 2026
The fact that they were detected by MizarVision is considered an indication of the high level of capabilities of private Chinese satellite surveillance systems.
At the same time, Chinese remote sensing satellites are reportedly systematically recording American bases in the Middle East, demonstrating an increasing concentration of forces before the outbreak of the escalation.
According to the publication, during the last ten days of February, in the context of tensions with Iran and the strengthening of the American military presence in the region, the number of military and auxiliary aircraft, including aerial refueling aircraft, increased at the Saudi base used by the United States.
Saudi Arabia, a long standing ally of the US, reportedly assured Iran last month that it would not allow the use of its territory or airspace for military operations against Tehran.
A high resolution satellite image of 21 February from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia shows at least 43 aircraft. In a corresponding image of 17 February, 27 were visible. On 25 February, the number is reported to have decreased to 38.
High-resolution satellite imagery shows that three USS Abraham Lincoln Osprey carrier-based transport aircraft are still deployed at Ducombe International Airport, and an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is docked at Ducombe Port. pic.twitter.com/NdFYSY8R3R
— MizarVision (@MizarVision) February 27, 2026
According to the publication, in the 21 February image, as noted by an image analyst of the company Contested Ground, 13 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and six E-3 Sentry (AWACS) can be seen among 29 large swept wing aircraft at the base. In the 17 February image (medium resolution), 11 large aircraft of a corresponding type are visible.
When comment was requested from the Pentagon, the response was that it does not comment on the matter.
It is noted that the American armed forces usually do not make statements regarding their movements.
High-resolution satellite imagery captured E-11A and KC-135 aircraft operating on the runway at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, while the type and number of aircraft on the tarmac remained largely unchanged. pic.twitter.com/ImxdYi8AzE
— MizarVision (@MizarVision) February 27, 2026
There have already been reports of Iranian strikes on American bases in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Doha in Qatar, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Juffair and Manama in Bahrain, in Kuwait.
Also, Iran, according to the Fars news agency, confirmed that it struck military targets in the Persian Gulf region, including:
1) The Al-Udeid air base in Qatar
2) The Al-Salem air base in Kuwait
3) The Al-Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates
4) The 5th American base in Bahrain
Satellite images show more aircraft at Saudi airbase used by US forces - https://t.co/9zhFRxXHM9
— Reuters Iran (@ReutersIran) February 27, 2026
Strike on the headquarters of the 5th Fleet in Bahrain
Fear prevails in the Middle East following reports of explosions that occurred in Bahrain.
According to initial information, the offices of the 5th Fleet of the US Navy were hit.
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain issued an emergency alert, calling on citizens to move immediately to the nearest safe location.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, warned on 19 February that Iran must reach an agreement within “10 to 15 days”, otherwise “very bad things will happen”.
Recent satellite images show that Iran is proceeding with repairs and reinforcement of facilities, including a military installation that is reported to have been attacked by Israel in 2024.
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