Al-Udeid, March 3 - The United States has deployed a broad mix of military aircraft in its ongoing strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating the depth and versatility of American airpower in major combat operations. Launched in late February 2026, the campaign has involved coordinated airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, naval assets, and command centers. This large-scale deployment marks one of the most significant concentrations of U.S. military firepower in the Middle East in recent decades, with over 1,000 targets struck in the initial phases alone, supported by carrier strike groups and land-based assets across the region.
At the forefront of the operation are stealth platforms like the B-2 Spirit bombers, which conducted long-range missions from U.S. bases to deliver precision-guided 2,000-pound bombs against hardened underground facilities. These iconic aircraft, renowned for their low-observable technology and global reach, have been complemented by fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The F-22s, deployed forward to locations including Israel, provide air superiority and escort duties, while F-35s, drawn from Air Force and Marine Corps units, execute multirole strikes with advanced sensor fusion and stealth capabilities. Carrier-based operations from vessels like the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have featured F/A-18 Super Hornets and additional F-35 variants, enabling sustained strikes from the Persian Gulf.
Supporting these frontline assets is a diverse array of fourth-generation and specialized aircraft. F-16 Fighting Falcons, including electronic warfare-configured variants, have conducted suppression of enemy air defenses missions, while A-10 Warthogs deliver close air support against ground targets. EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets disrupt Iranian radar and communications, enhancing the survivability of strike packages. Refueling tankers, reconnaissance platforms like the RC-135, and early warning aircraft ensure seamless coordination across vast distances, allowing synchronized waves of more than 100 aircraft in the opening hours.
This broad mix of military aircraft underscores the U.S. strategy of overwhelming air dominance through technological superiority, integrated operations, and rapid force projection. The deployment highlights the adaptability of American aviation forces in addressing complex threats, combining stealth bombers, advanced fighters, attack platforms, and support elements to achieve operational objectives in a high-intensity conflict environment. As the campaign continues, reinforcements and additional sorties maintain pressure on Iranian capabilities while minimizing risks to U.S. personnel.