Good Offense Leads to Effective Defense During Operation Epic Fury

U.S. armed forces initiated Operation Epic Fury over the weekend, and during the mission, they put their innovative offensive capabilities into action. 

U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM's) focus was to daze and confuse the Iranian military by systematically targeting Iran's command and control infrastructure, naval forces, ballistic missile sites and intelligence infrastructure, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a press conference Monday. 

Through coordinated space and cyber operations, officials were able to effectively disrupt communications and sensor networks across the area of responsibility. This effort prevented the Iranian military from being able to see, coordinate or respond productively, which has allowed for U.S. troops to gain air superiority, according to Caine. Air superiority gives U.S. soldiers the ability to better protect each other and continue their mission, he said.  

Caine also commended the defensive capabilities of the U.S. military as precision standoff weapons effectively neutralized hundreds of preplanned targets.  

“While we’ve prosecuted a relentless offensive campaign, our defense has been equally important,” Caine said. “Across the theater, operations have remained steady and disciplined. Our integrated air and missile defense network is performing exactly as it’s intended. U.S. Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system batteries, along with ballistic missile defense-capable Navy destroyers, continue to coordinate and execute intercepts with precision and consistency.” 

Officials working in the joint operation centers have remained cool, calm and collected despite working in extreme conditions, Caine added.

“These systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces, our partners and regional stability,” Caine said. “The threat from one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has remained persistent. Our systems have proven effective in countering these platforms [by] engaging targets rapidly. Each intercept represents hundreds of hours of training, readiness and technology all coming together to work as designed. We will remain vigilant in the counter UAV fight, and the defense of the region is not ours alone. As the threat grew, our partners surged in beside us. Air defense batteries in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia joined the fight. [This is all] proof positive that years of training, trust and hard-earned integration pay off.” 

Caine closed the press conference by acknowledging that these technological achievements come after years of hard work and by warning adversaries across the world who are considering threatening the United States.

“Operations will remain active across the theater and across the globe,” Caine stressed. “The U.S. forces are postured not only to maintain pressure but to respond and adapt as required. Operation Epic Fury stands as a reminder of what the U.S. military uniquely delivers: the ability to project power on a global scale with speed, surprise, precision and overwhelming force when and where our nation requires it. What we’ve demonstrated over the past several days reflects years of investment in readiness, joint integration and professionalism of the joint force ... To those who would test our resolve or threaten the U.S., our allies or our interests, understand clearly: we can reach you, we can sustain the fight, and we can scale the fight, and we will prevail."