Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is actively engaged in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, utilizing significant missile interceptor resources. As of February 28, 2025, the U.S. has deployed THAAD and SM-3 interceptors in response to Iranian missile threats, with concerns about the depletion of these resources. The conflict has resulted in casualties among U.S. service members due to drone strikes, emphasizing the operational challenges faced by U.S. forces in the region.

On April 15, 2024, the 509th Bomb Wing of the U.S. Air Force conducted the largest 'elephant walk' exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, involving 12 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. This exercise demonstrated the bombers' capabilities and readiness, showcasing their significant payload capacity and long-range operational capabilities. The event served as a strategic show of force to potential adversaries, reinforcing the B-2's role in U.S. military operations.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against nearly 200 targets in Iran, including Tehran, over the past few days. B-2 bombers targeted ballistic missile launchers with 2000-pound bombs, significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities. The U.S. has also sunk over 30 Iranian naval vessels and is now focusing on dismantling Iran's ballistic missile industrial base. Defense Secretary Hegseth indicated that U.S. firepower over Iran is set to increase dramatically.

U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of over 30 Iranian navy vessels, including a drone carrier that is currently on fire. In the last 72 hours, U.S. bombers have conducted airstrikes on nearly 200 targets deep inside Iran, significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities. The U.S. is actively dismantling Iran's missile production capabilities, with a notable decrease in Iranian missile and drone attacks.

F-16 fighters employed swarm tactics to defeat F-35 fighters during Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base in 2015 and 2017. The F-35's flight control software was improved over time, leading to its eventual success in combat scenarios, including a notable engagement with an Iranian Yak-130 in 2026. This highlights the evolving nature of air combat tactics and the capabilities of both aircraft.

Iranian military forces issued a strong response to recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes, condemning them as acts of aggression. Commander Abdollahi stated that Iran has previously dealt heavy blows to U.S. and Israeli forces and that their counterattacks will continue and intensify. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary announced that Iran is prepared to respond to any U.S. ground operations.

The House of Representatives narrowly rejected a war powers resolution aimed at halting military action against Iran, reflecting growing unease among lawmakers. Six U.S. military members were killed in a recent drone strike in Kuwait, and over 1,230 people have died in Iran due to the conflict. The Senate also voted against a similar measure, indicating a divided response to President Trump's military strategy.

A U.S. THAAD missile defense radar was attacked and possibly destroyed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on March 5, 2023, during initial strikes against Iran. Satellite imagery indicates significant damage and debris around the radar site, which is a key component of the air defense system valued at nearly $500 million. Reports suggest that similar radar facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait may have also been targeted.

The U.S. Navy is speculated to have considered the Montana-class battleships as potential platforms for Tomahawk missile deployment against Iran in March 2026. These battleships, if built, could have significantly enhanced missile capabilities during Operation Epic Fury, addressing the current Tomahawk depletion crisis. The analysis emphasizes the Montana-class's superior armor and potential effectiveness against Iranian coastal defenses.

On March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted a U.S. F-15E fighter jet using their air defense system, resulting in the aircraft crashing near Southwest Iran. The IRGC released video footage of the interception, while U.S. Central Command denied the claims of the aircraft being shot down.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes in southern Beirut at approximately 10:48 PM local time on October 5. Residents were warned to evacuate due to the imminent danger, and heavy explosions were reported at the site. The Israeli Defense Forces had previously issued an emergency warning prohibiting movement southward.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 21st round of Operation 'Real Commitment 4', conducting missile and drone strikes against targets in Tel Aviv early on the 6th. The operation utilized the Kheybar Shekan ballistic missile to strike central locations in the city.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor with an $11 billion upgrade package that includes Low Drag Tank and Pylon hardware, extending its combat range significantly. New IRST sensors enhance its survivability, and the aircraft is now capable of commanding MQ-20 Avenger drones. These upgrades ensure the F-22 remains a premier air dominance platform until the introduction of the F-47 in 2026. The F-22 has been actively deployed in operations across various regions, including the Indo-Pacific and against threats in Iran and Venezuela.

Missile strikes targeted two locations on a highway in Iran on March 5, resulting in 30 casualties. The assailants remain unidentified, and the strikes have raised concerns about security in the region.

Israeli Defense Forces are entering the next phase of operations against Iran as of March 5, having completed the initial phase that involved achieving air superiority and suppressing Iranian missile positions. The focus will now shift to increasing efforts to damage the Iranian regime's foundations and military capabilities.

The U.S. military deployed the LUCAS drone, a near-clone of the Iranian Shahed-136, highlighting a shift towards affordable mass in military strategy. On March 1, a Shahed drone destroyed a $300 million radar site in Bahrain, demonstrating the effectiveness of low-cost drones against advanced air defenses. The Pentagon's approach aims to validate the use of mass-produced, expendable platforms in contested airspace, particularly in the Pacific theater.

Winston Churchill rejected a negotiated peace and supported the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain in 1940. He appointed Lord Beaverbrook to accelerate the production of Hurricanes and Spitfires, which were crucial for Britain's defense. The Luftwaffe's strategy shifted from attacking airfields to cities, leading to the Blitz. Churchill's leadership and speeches played a vital role in maintaining morale and securing American support for Britain.

Six American service members were killed in a drone strike by Iranian forces in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, shortly after the U.S. initiated Operation Epic Fury. The attack raised significant concerns regarding the security of U.S. military personnel in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash for his remarks about media coverage of the incident, which he claimed was biased against President Trump. The Pentagon has identified the fallen soldiers and is investigating the circumstances of the attack.

F-16 Fighting Falcons employed swarm tactics to engage and overwhelm F-35 Lightning IIs during simulations at Nellis Air Force Base in Red Flag 2017. The F-35s achieved a 20:1 kill ratio, but vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly in close combat scenarios. Concerns arose regarding potential leaks of F-35 operational secrets to China, which could inform adversarial tactics. Despite these challenges, the F-35 continues to maintain air dominance in operations over Iran.

Marine Capt. John Ripley single-handedly destroyed the Dong Ha Bridge in Vietnam in April 1972, placing 500 pounds of explosives while under enemy fire. His actions were pivotal in halting the advance of North Vietnamese forces during the Easter Offensive. The Senate has approved legislation for him to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously, pending final approval from President Trump.