U.S. military lists aircraft and missile defenses used in first day of Iran operation

This image provided by US Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet coming in for an arrested landing on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) after flying in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday.US Central Command/US Navy/AP/File

Washington, March 1, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The U.S. military used a range of fighter jets, bombers and air defense systems during the first 24 hours of the weekend operation in Iran, U.S. Central Command said on Sunday.

Central Command said U.S. forces were striking targets aimed at dismantling Iran’s security apparatus, with locations assessed as posing an imminent threat prioritised. It said more than 1,000 targets had been hit.

Targets included Iran’s military headquarters, missile sites, naval ships and submarines, Central Command said.

Assets described as part of the operation included B-2 stealth bombers, F-18, F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft, A-10 attack jets and EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, along with airborne early warning and control aircraft and airborne communications support.

Central Command also listed Patriot interceptor missile systems and THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems, as well as MQ-9 Reapers, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, counter-drone systems, refuelling aircraft and ships, and C-17 Globemaster and C-130 cargo aircraft. It said additional capabilities were being used that it did not detail.