Epic Fury and Lion's Roar weapons and equipment
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Over the past few days, they have been repeatedly striking various Iranian military, industrial, and administrative targets. To carry out this operation, the two countries have concentrated significant forces in the region and stockpiled a large number of various weapons. The attacks on Iran utilize both well-established and proven technologies. weapons, as well as new types of products.
Aviation assets
Combat plays a significant role in Operations Epic Fury (USA) and Lion's Roar (Israel) aviationVarious types of aircraft are used, each carrying a different type of weapon. Special-purpose aircraft are also deployed to support the combat squadrons.
Thus, US Central Command (US CENTCOM) reports that fighter aircraft of all major types, including the F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35, are participating in combat sorties. Apparently, some of these aircraft are engaged in strikes, while others provide defense against enemy fighters. Official reports also mention A-10 attack aircraft—the situation allows for their use as well.
Israel, for its part, is reluctant to disclose all aspects of its air force's operations. Published materials so far only mention the F-15I and F-16I fighters. Like American aircraft, they are capable of performing a variety of missions.
The US Navy deployed F/A-18E/F fighter jets
Information about the weapons used comes from various sources. US tactical aircraft use Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs and several types of guided missiles. The ammunition load of A-10 attack aircraft is intriguing. It includes APKWS missiles, converted from unguided rockets.
American B-2 strategic bombers were involved in the operation. According to press reports, they, like last year, attacked underground facilities using GBU-31/B bombs or similar weapons.
Israeli aircraft also use air-to-ground missile systems. For example, an F-16I fighter jet was spotted carrying the Rampage air-launched ballistic missile. There have also been reports of the use of a similar missile, known as the Ice Breaker.
The United States has concentrated specialized aircraft for various purposes in the operation area. Airborne early warning and electronic reconnaissance systems, as well as airborne command posts, are in the air. In addition, combat aviation operations were supported by aircraft. EW E/A-18G operating from the deck of an aircraft carrier.
An American B-2 bomber during a night sortie
Unmanned component
Unmanned aerial systems of various types are actively used in the attack on Iran. Some of them are being used outside of testing ranges for the first time and are said to be living up to expectations. Like manned aircraft and their weapons, UAVs perform reconnaissance, target identification, and subsequent engagement tasks.
CENTCOM reports heavy use drones The MQ-9 Reaper, however, does not specify its role. Such aircraft can conduct reconnaissance and independently engage ground or surface targets. Other UAVs of this class do not appear to be in use.
Israel, for its part, actively uses similar Hermes 900 drones. They are tasked with operations in the most challenging areas where manned operations are not appropriate. The Hermeses carry out strikes, but are already suffering losses from Iranian air strikes. Defense.
During "Epic Fury," the US Army deployed its new LUCAS attack drone for the first time. Essentially a copy of the Iranian Shahed-136 or the Russian Geran-2, with corresponding capabilities, these drones are reported to penetrate Iranian territory to depths of hundreds of kilometers.
An Israeli F-16I with a Rampage missile (on an external mount)
Land-based
The United States has limited capabilities in land-based missile systems. However, existing systems are being used in the current operation. New models are also being deployed, allowing for improved overall performance.
M142 HIMARS missile systems are operating against Iranian targets from the territory of Middle Eastern countries. The use of ATACMS ballistic missiles with a range of up to 300 km has been reported. The new PrSM missile was also used for the first time in a real operation. In its current form, it is designed to hit targets at a range of 500 km.
Precise information on Israel's use of ground-based missile systems is currently lacking. For obvious geographical reasons, it could not have used ATACMS-type missiles. It is possible that some Yeriho series medium-range missiles were deployed for combat missions, but precise data on this is currently lacking.
It should be noted that the participation of ground forces in the current operation is limited to delivering strikes using appropriate means. A full-fledged ground operation involving tanks, artillery etc., apparently, is not planned.
A Tomahawk missile is launched from a US ship.
Naval forces
In preparation for its operation, the United States deployed two carrier strike groups to the Middle East. Their surface ships, submarines, and aircraft are actively participating in combat missions and employing a variety of weapons.
Thus, in the initial stages of the operation, the US Navy, as always, used Tomahawk cruise missiles. They were used to strike key enemy defenses, which was intended to facilitate subsequent combat operations by other forces and assets. However, it has been noted that the volume of Tomahawk use this time was significantly lower than in previous military operations. The reason for this is unknown.
In the first days of "Epic Fury," it became known that the Tomahawk missile wasn't the only missile used in the strikes. A new missile with a distinctive design and dark coloring was spotted in the air. Various theories have been floated, but the Pentagon hasn't yet commented on the situation. It's possible the US Navy used a newly developed munition for operational testing and trials.
US Navy submarine forces were present in the area where the operation was taking place. The submarines apparently participated in the cruise missile launches. Furthermore, on March 4, one of the submarines launched a torpedo attack on the Iranian frigate Dena. The torpedo used is believed to be a Mk 48. Its warhead was sufficient to break the target ship in two.
Despite all this, carrier-based aircraft play a leading role in the carrier-based strike group. They include fighter-bombers with a wide range of weapons, as well as airborne early warning aircraft, electronic warfare equipment carriers, and so on.
Presumably, the launch pad of Iranian UAVs before being hit by a missile
Strengths and results
The US and Israel have deployed tens of thousands of personnel in their operations. Personnel from all branches of the armed forces are involved. Hundreds of pieces of various equipment are being used directly to accomplish combat missions. Ammunition expenditure has already reached the thousands in the first days of the strikes.
Israel has already announced that Operation Lion Roar is the largest operation in stories Its Air Force. On February 28 alone, approximately 200 aircraft were involved in the strikes. They were expected to hit at least 500 different targets in total. The US has not yet released overall statistics, but it can be expected that significant results were achieved over several days of strikes.
Through their combined efforts, Israel and the United States have already inflicted significant damage on Iran. Various facilities and some military equipment have been destroyed or damaged. Production, management, and other processes have likely been disrupted. Furthermore, some of the country's top military and political leadership have been killed.
However, despite all the strikes and losses, Iran maintains its defensive capability. Army units continue to attempt to repel attacks and launch counterattacks, including against the enemy's most important targets. Furthermore, significant weapons reserves are reportedly retained, allowing for continued combat.
How long the exchange of strikes will continue remains unknown. Its outcome is also in question. However, the first days of "Epic Fury" and "Lion's Roar" demonstrated that the US and Israel are prepared to employ a wide variety of means, systems, and munitions to achieve their desired results. Whether these means will be successful in achieving all their objectives will become clear later.
Information