The U.S. and Israel deployed a devastating array of precision weapons during Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and Supreme Leader Khamenei’s compound, fundamentally altering Middle East power dynamics.
US Weapons: Tomahawks Lead Precision Barrage
Tomahawk Cruise Missiles (1,600+ km range) launched from warships/submarines formed the opening salvo, flying low to evade radar and striking command centers with pinpoint accuracy. HIMARS rocket systems provided ground support, while LUCAS low-cost suicide drones (Spektreworks)—mirroring captured Iranian designs—overwhelmed air defenses in first combat use.
Israel’s Air Superiority: F-35I Spearheads 500-Target Strike
200+ Israeli fighter jets (largest sortie in IDF history) including stealth F-35I “Adir” penetrated Iranian airspace undetected. GBU-28 bunker-busters (5,000-lb penetrators) collapsed underground nuclear facilities at Natanz/Fordow; SPICE/JDAM GPS-guided bombs destroyed 500+ missile launchers and SAM sites.
Arsenal Comparison Table
| Weapon | Operator | Target | Key Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomahawk | US Navy | C2 Nodes | 1,600km low-altitude |
| LUCAS Drone | US Army | Air Defenses | Cheap swarm attack |
| F-35I Adir | Israel | Deep Strikes | Stealth penetration |
| GBU-28 | IAF | Nuclear Bunkers | 30m concrete penetration |
| HIMARS | US Army | Launch Sites | Rapid precision rockets |
Iranian Counter: Outmatched Retaliation
Tehran’s Shahab-3/Emad (1,700km), Khorramshahr/Sejjil (2,000km) missiles and Shahed-136 drones hit 7 nations but suffered 90%+ intercept rates by Patriot/THAAD/Arrow systems. Bahrain high-rise strike (3 dead), Jordan Amman debris kill highlight degraded capabilities post-Khamenei.
Strategic Impact
Pentagon’s Pete Hegseth called it “most lethal, complex aerial operation in history.” Iran’s missile array crippled; regime decapitated. Global aviation chaos (Emirates Dubai shutdown) underscores war’s reach.
