In a significant military maneuver, U.S. forces launched a large-scale assault on Iranian targets over the weekend, employing a formidable array of air, sea, and missile capabilities in a carefully orchestrated mission conducted alongside Israel.
This operation, named “Operation Epic Fury,” commenced at precisely 1:15 a.m., and over the course of its first 24 hours, it targeted more than 1,000 locations across Iran, as reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Notably, the strikes resulted in the elimination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous high-ranking regime officials.
The extensive offensive deployed an impressive array of military hardware. CENTCOM detailed the involvement of B-2 stealth bombers, F-22 and F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, and EA-18G electronic warfare planes, all supported by advanced airborne early warning and communications platforms.
Adding to the operation’s might, a U.S. Navy vessel launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles as part of the strategic efforts in Operation Epic Fury, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the mission.
To counter any retaliatory threats, missile defense systems such as Patriot interceptors and THAAD anti-ballistic defenses were strategically deployed. The mission also involved diverse assets, including RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, HIMARS rocket systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, refueling tankers, and C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft, according to CENTCOM.
Other assets included RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, HIMARS rocket systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, refueling tankers, and C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft, CENTCOM said.
The command also released images of Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as F-18 and F-35 fighter jets roaring into combat, according to Reuters.
CENTCOM additionally confirmed it deployed one-way attack drones in combat for the first time.
Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones were also used in the attack. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs)
The Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System — known as LUCAS — is modeled after Iran’s Shahed drones.
“CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike — for the first time in history — is using one-way attack drones in combat during Operation Epic Fury,” CENTCOM wrote on X. “These low-cost drones, modeled after Iran’s Shahed drones, are now delivering American-made retribution.”
Developed by Arizona-based engineering firm SpektreWorks, the LUCAS drone can be launched from catapults, vehicles or mobile ground platforms, according to Business Insider.Â
The drones cost roughly $35,000 each, Reuters reported.
A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on Feb. 28, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
The strikes targeted command and control centers, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Joint Headquarters and Aerospace Forces Headquarters, integrated air defense systems, ballistic missile sites, Iranian Navy ships and submarines, anti-ship missile sites and military communications infrastructure, according to CENTCOM.
Iran retaliated by launching waves of missiles across the Middle East, targeting major U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, Business Insider reported.
Three U.S. service members were killed and five others were “seriously wounded” as part of Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM said Sunday morning. The joint military operation is expected to carry on for days.
CENTCOM did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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