The United States has quietly relocated its THAAD missile defence system and Patriot missile system deployments in Jordan during a temporary ceasefire with Iran, but the movements were later revealed through Chinese satellite imagery released on April 19.

According to a Defence Security Asia report, the repositioning followed Iranian attacks in March that reportedly damaged a THAAD installation near Al-Salti airbase, prompting the United States to adjust its defensive posture in the region.

A brief ceasefire beginning April 8, brokered in part by Pakistan, allowed the transfer of sensitive military equipment, including radar systems and launchers. However, commercial satellite imagery has since identified new deployments.

The images reportedly show key components of both systems, including the AN/TPY-2 radar linked to THAAD and AN/MPQ-65 radar units associated with Patriot batteries.

Analysts say the United States has dispersed its air defence assets across multiple locations rather than concentrating them at a single site, aiming to reduce vulnerability to missile or drone strikes.

THAAD is designed to intercept high-altitude ballistic missiles, while Patriot systems target lower-altitude aerial threats.

The satellite imagery highlights the growing role of commercial surveillance technology in modern warfare, with experts noting that such capabilities make it increasingly difficult to conceal large-scale military deployments.

US officials have not confirmed the reported repositioning. The developments come as Washington continues to strengthen air defence systems across several regional partners, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.