In one of the most dangerous escalation phases in recent years, the military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran on 28 February 2026 has already surpassed previous episodes of tension in the Middle East. Aircraft carriers, strategic bombers, ballistic missiles, and kamikaze drones compose the arsenal of a conflict where cutting-edge technology coexists with what Tehran calls "missiles made of scrap metal."
American 'Shaheds' and invisible B-2s
According to CENTCOM, Washington deployed fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II from the first hours of the operation, alongside rarely utilized assets. Stealth B-2 Spirit strategic bombers played a decisive role, striking underground ballistic missile facilities. As Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported, four aircraft dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs. 
It is estimated that GBU-31(V)3/B bombs with JDAM guidance and BLU-109/B penetrator warheads were used, capable of piercing up to 1.8 meters of reinforced concrete. The relative freedom of action for the American air force is attributed to the neutralization of Iranian air defenses, aided by EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Simultaneously, the US launched mass salvos of Tomahawk cruise missiles from Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and submarines. The arsenal reportedly includes the newer Maritime Strike Tomahawk Block Va version with a range of up to 1,600 kilometers. In the field of land-based missile systems, M142 HIMARS launchers were deployed, reportedly using the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) operationally for the first time, featuring a strike accuracy of up to 500 kilometers.
Of particular interest is the first use of LUCAS kamikaze drones, which are design-based on the Iranian Shahed-136. With a range of approximately 800 kilometers and an 18kg warhead, the LUCAS is presented as a "low-cost solution" for mass strikes. To intercept Iranian drones, even A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft were mobilized, equipped with APKWS II guided rockets.
The Israeli 'Ice Breaker' and the Rampage
Israel is making intensive use of its air force and unmanned aerial vehicles. Tactical Hermes 900 drones provide real-time reconnaissance and targeting, carrying guided bombs and Spike missiles. Armed F-16I Sufa fighters have been spotted carrying Rampage air-ballistic missiles (also known as MARS), with a range of up to 250 kilometers, designed for strikes on critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Ice Breaker cruise missile, introduced in 2024, was reportedly used in a strike on Tehran. This supersonic system features advanced infrared guidance and a warhead exceeding 100kg, with an operational radius of up to 300 kilometers. To counter ballistic threats, Israel activated the Arrow-3 anti-missile system, capable of interceptions at altitudes up to 100 kilometers, outside the atmosphere. In some incidents, there is mention of potential involvement by the American THAAD system, although even the most modern systems do not guarantee absolute protection.
'Scrap metal missiles' and the Iranian response
Despite the clear firepower superiority of its opponents, Iran continues its retaliation. Its air force, which includes older American and Soviet aircraft as well as Russian models like the MiG-29A and Yak-130, is reportedly used primarily for intercepting drones and cruise missiles. 
Air defense includes short-range systems like the Ghaem-118, but also longer-range systems like the Arman and Bavar-373, the latter often characterized as the "Iranian S-300." The main burden, however, falls on the Iranian missile forces.
As part of operation "True Promise 4," Tehran is launching ballistic missiles such as the Ghadr-110 (Qadr-110), with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, and the Sejjil, which reaches up to 2,500 kilometers. Among the most modern systems is the Kheibar Shekan, introduced in 2022, which features terminal-phase maneuvering to evade anti-missile defenses.
At the same time, Iran is making extensive use of kamikaze drones such as the Arash-2, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and a 260kg warhead. Despite statements by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Ebrahim Jabbari that only "scrap metal missiles" were used in the first phase, the strikes show that even these means can penetrate modern defenses.
At the same time, Iran is making extensive use of kamikaze drones such as the Arash-2, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and a 260kg warhead. Despite statements by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Ebrahim Jabbari that only "scrap metal missiles" were used in the first phase, the strikes show that even these means can penetrate modern defenses.
The question now is not only who possesses the most advanced weapon systems, but who can endure a prolonged, high-intensity conflict.
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