The United States deployed some of its most advanced military technology in strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday. Israel also joined US in the strikes and deployed its full military muscle in the high-profile coordinated attacks against Khamenei-led Iran, with its Operation Lion’s Roar.According to Reuters, the US military used its B-2 stealth bombers, artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, and new LUCAS suicide drones.
In a social media post, US Central Command (CENTCOM) listed the equipment used and provided details of the strikes.“US Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury at the direction of the President of the United States. CENTCOM forces are striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritising locations that pose an imminent threat,” US military said on X.
Complete list of military apparatus used by US
- B-2 stealth bombers
- LUCAS drones
- Patriot interceptor missile systems
- THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems
- F-18 fighter jets
- F-16 fighter jets
- F-22 fighter jets
- A-10 attack jets
- F-35 stealth fighters
- EA-18G electronic attack aircraft
- Airborne early warning and control aircraft
- Airborne communication relay aircraft
- P-8 maritime patrol aircraft
- RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft
- MQ-9 Reaper drones
- M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
- Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers
- Guided-missile destroyers
- Counter-drone systems
- Refuelling tanker aircraft
- Refuelling ships
- C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft
- C-130 cargo aircraft
Artificial intelligenceAccording to the Reuters report, the Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during the attack on Iran, a source familiar with the matter said. However, it was not immediately clear how the tools were used in the war effort. The Pentagon and Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment.
Notably, a day before the operation, the US declared Anthropic a supply chain risk, implying it posed a potential threat to national security. US President Donald Trump on Friday also directed the government to stop working with the start-up. Anthropic had previously become one of the first AI companies to handle classified information through a supply arrangement with cloud provider Amazon.BombersAs the Pentagon intensified its bombing campaign, it deployed B-2 stealth bombers from the United States to strike hardened, underground Iranian missile facilities using 2,000-pound bombs.
The B-2, a US$2-billion flying-wing aircraft built by Northrop Grumman, played a key role in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites last June. With a 52-metre wingspan and a stealth profile designed to evade radar, the bomber can fly about 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, though most missions require multiple mid-air refuelling operations.
DronesThe US military said it used suicide drones that appear identical, based on Pentagon-released photos, to the LUCAS (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System) manufactured by SpektreWorks. The company did not respond to requests for comment.In a first, US Central Command said it deployed one-way attack drones modelled on Iran’s Shahed drones.
Kamikaze drones are relatively inexpensive and designed for production by multiple manufacturers, the Pentagon has said. The LUCAS costs about US$35,000. Drones have become increasingly central to modern warfare, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated a shift toward an “affordable mass” strategy — maintaining large stocks of relatively low-cost weapons.The US also deployed more expensive MQ-9 Reaper drones, along with counter-drone systems.TomahawksThe Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range cruise missile typically launched from sea during deep-strike missions. The precision-guided missile can hit targets up to 1,600 km away, even in heavily defended airspace. It measures 6.1 metres in length, has an 8.5-foot wingspan, and weighs about 3,330 pounds (1,510 kg).The missile is produced by Raytheon, a unit of RTX. It is conventionally armed and can be launched from land or sea. According to Pentagon budget documents, the US plans to purchase 57 Tomahawks in 2026.
Each missile costs an average of US$1.3 million. Additional funds are being allocated to upgrade the weapons, including improvements to their guidance systems. A recent agreement between Raytheon and the Pentagon aims to increase production to 1,000 units annually.US and allied forces have flight-tested GPS-enabled Tomahawks and used them operationally, including when American and British navies launched the missiles at Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.Fighter jetsUS Central Command released photos and video showing F/A-18 Hornet and F-35 Lightning II jets involved in the strikes on Iran.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of evading radar detection while carrying precision-guided munitions. The United States has deployed the aircraft extensively across the Middle East. The F/A-18, manufactured by Boeing, is a multi-role fighter capable of conducting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a range of bombs and missiles.F-35s can carry a wide array of missile systems, including those designed to locate and destroy radar installations. The aircraft is also operated by the Israeli Air Force.
