Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted large-scale strikes against Iranian military targets on February 28 at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time as part of Operation Epic Fury. The operation aimed to dismantle Iranian missile and drone capabilities posing threats to U.S. forces. CENTCOM reported no U.S. casualties and minimal damage to installations, while also confirming the use of low-cost one-way attack drones during the strikes.

Iran launched 44 missiles and 8 drones at Qatar on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. In response, the Qatari government suspended all public activities and events until further notice. The attacks specifically targeted U.S. military bases located in Qatar and the UAE.

The Israeli Air Force conducted a significant airstrike operation against over 500 targets in Iran using 200 warplanes today. This operation, named 'Roaring Lion,' aimed to degrade the Iranian regime's military capabilities, including missile launchers and aerial defense systems. Concurrently, Iranian missile attacks on Israel commenced shortly after the strikes, prompting Israel to issue protective alerts and mobilize reservists.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the first combat use of the LUCAS drone during airstrikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities. The operation, part of Operation Epic Fury, involved the new autonomous kamikaze drone designed to enhance U.S. military capabilities. The LUCAS drone, developed by SpektreWorks, is a cost-effective alternative to existing munitions, with a range of 500 miles and a payload capacity significantly greater than traditional missiles.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the first combat use of the LUCAS drone during airstrikes on Iranian targets on Saturday. The operation aimed at Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, including command and control centers and missile launch sites. The LUCAS drone, a new autonomous system, represents a significant advancement in U.S. military capabilities.

Iran launched hundreds of missiles in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. This action is part of 'Operation Epic Fury' and reflects Iran's perception of an existential threat from the recent military operations. The U.S. aims for regime change, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict.

Lockheed Martin transitioned the F-22 Raptor into its 'Raptor 2.0' configuration in 2026, integrating Low-Drag Tank and Pylon systems along with underwing IRST pods to enhance its capabilities. This modernization aims to improve the aircraft's range and passive-sensing abilities, ensuring air dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. Air Force continues to rely on the F-22 until the F-47 next-generation fighter is operational.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted extensive airstrikes on February 28, 2023, targeting missile launchers and defense systems in Iran. Approximately 200 aircraft were involved, striking around 500 targets. This operation is described as the largest airstrike by Israel to date, aimed at diminishing Iran's offensive capabilities and enhancing Israeli air superiority. Coordination with U.S. military forces was also noted.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is currently undergoing a 14-month Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News, Virginia, due to a degraded steam turbine generator and labor shortages. This delay impacts the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy, particularly affecting the overextended USS Gerald R. Ford, which is deployed in the Middle East. The Navy aims to resolve these issues to ensure carrier availability amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and attack drones at Dubai on Saturday, causing explosions throughout the city. UAE air defenses intercepted several missiles, and emergency measures were enacted, including evacuations from the Burj Khalifa. The UAE government condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and indicated a potential response to Iran.

Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israeli territory, hitting at least two locations in central Israel and triggering air-raid sirens. The strikes prompted emergency responses, with no casualties reported initially. Additionally, earlier Iranian attacks struck Saudi Arabia, marking an escalation in regional tensions. Israeli air-defense systems were activated during the incidents, and authorities maintained heightened alert levels nationwide.

A drone strike attributed to Iran hit Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger facility and injuring several workers. The incident briefly disrupted airport operations, with emergency teams responding to secure the area. The drone used in the attack was similar to Iranian-designed Shahed-series loitering munitions, causing localized structural damage but not affecting runway operations.

China authorized the transfer of carrier-killer missiles to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, significantly narrowing the diplomatic window for the U.S. and Israel. This development prompted military preparations and actions by both nations in response to perceived threats from Iran's naval capabilities. Diplomatic efforts in Muscat and Geneva were undermined as tensions escalated, leading to a preemptive military response.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple missiles that successfully struck a U.S. combat support ship in the Persian Gulf, causing significant damage. The IRGC has warned that all U.S. maritime assets in the area are now within their strike range, and they intend to continue their attacks.

The U.S. Air Force is on track to debut the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in 2028, with Boeing successfully meeting development milestones. The aircraft is designed to operate in contested environments, featuring advanced capabilities such as a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles and the ability to deploy nuclear-tipped hypersonic weapons. Production is already underway, with plans for up to 185 units depending on budget constraints.

Iran launched missile strikes against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar on February 28. The attacks resulted in damage to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, with no reported U.S. casualties. U.S. officials expect continued Iranian retaliation following these strikes.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning the B-21 Raider into operational status, with production expected to reach hundreds of units. Unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, the B-21 is designed to enhance the U.S. nuclear triad and features advanced stealth and communication capabilities. It is set to replace the B-2 Spirit and will play a critical role in modern air operations.

The F-14 Tomcat was employed as a multirole strike platform, notably during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, where it carried out bombing missions against Bosnian Serb forces. The aircraft, originally designed to carry bombs, demonstrated its capabilities with various munitions, including precision-guided and cluster bombs. Iranian F-14s were also equipped for bombing roles, reflecting the aircraft's intended multirole design.

Kuwaiti air defense forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles targeting Ali Al Salem Air Base earlier today. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful defense, with debris falling in surrounding areas. The armed forces emphasized their commitment to national sovereignty and issued warnings to the public regarding missile fragments.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing integrated with Navy Carrier Air Wing 11 for a long-range maritime strike exercise off California in February 2026. This exercise showcased the operational debut of the AIM-174B 'Gunslinger' missile, enhancing U.S. capabilities to counter anti-access threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The B-2's role in anti-ship operations is increasing, highlighting the importance of joint air-maritime integration.