US military: Stealth bombers, fighters, and 'special capabilities' used in first 24 hours of Iran mission

"US Central Command said forces involved in Operation Epic Fury struck over 1,000 Iranian targets with destroyer-launched Tomahawks, stealth B-2 Spirit bombers armed with 2,000-pound bombs, and US-made drones modeled after Iranian Shaheds, among other assets and munitions. It called the drones "American-made retribution" as the US struck Iran with a weapon Tehran designed."

"Beyond the B-2 bombers, the list of aircraft includes fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor, as well as a mix of attack aircraft and fourth-gen fighters. There are also electronic attack planes, airborne early warning and control aircraft, surveillance platforms, and logistics aircraft, such as airlift and refueling planes, listed."

"Drones include the MQ-9 Reaper, a combat and reconnaissance system, and the new Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LCUAS, drones. The Airborne early warning aircraft can detect and track targets that can be passed off in real-time to fighter jets like the F-22 and F/A-18."

US Central Command executed Operation Epic Fury, striking over 1,000 Iranian targets in the opening 24 hours of combat alongside Israeli military forces. The operation deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers armed with 2,000-pound bombs, destroyer-launched Tomahawk missiles, and US-made drones modeled after Iranian Shaheds. Combat platforms included fifth-generation fighters like F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptors, fourth-generation fighters, attack aircraft, electronic warfare planes, airborne early warning systems, surveillance platforms, and logistics aircraft. Unmanned systems included MQ-9 Reapers and Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack Systems. The command noted the operation also employed undisclosed special capabilities, providing a comprehensive display of American military assets deployed for the sustained campaign.

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