Suicide drones, B‑2 bombers and more: U.S. weapons used in Operation Epic Fury

The U.S. Central Command has released details of the military assets employed in Operation Epic Fury, the major offensive launched against Iran on Friday, February 27. The strikes targeted key Iranian military facilities, including missile sites, naval bases, and areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office. Coordinated with Israel, the operation aimed to neutralize immediate threats to American forces and allies in the Middle East while sending a strong message about Iran’s nuclear activities.

Operation Epic Fury involved a wide range of U.S. weaponry and platforms. On Saturday, February 28, the United States used suicide drones, Tomahawk cruise missiles, stealth fighters, and, for the first time in combat, low-cost one-way attack drones modeled after Iranian designs. The operation came shortly after the U.S. designated AI company Anthropic a supply chain risk, limiting its work with the federal government, although its tools have previously been used by the intelligence community and armed services.

Extensive U.S. Military Assets Deployed

The Central Command listed the assets deployed in the operation, including B-2 stealth bombers, F-18, F-16, F-22, A-10, and F-35 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, and MQ-9 Reaper drones. Additional assets included airborne early warning and communication relay aircraft, P-8 maritime patrol and RC-135 reconnaissance planes, as well as C-17 and C-130 cargo aircraft.

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On the ground and at sea, the U.S. employed M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, counter-drone systems, refueling tankers, and refueling ships. Central Command noted that the list also includes “special capabilities we can’t list here,” highlighting the breadth of the operation.

Strategic Objectives and Implications

Operation Epic Fury underscores the U.S.’s intent to counter Iranian military capabilities and protect its regional interests. By combining advanced air, sea, and land assets with cutting-edge drone technology, the U.S. and Israel aimed to deliver a precise, high-impact strike on critical targets, while signaling consequences for Iran’s nuclear ambitions.