Operation Epic Fury (Iran) | The Runway

On 28 February 2026, the United States military, in partnership with the Israel Defence Force, commenced Operation Epic Fury. The US Department of War states that Operation Epic Fury's mission is to: "Destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure (so) they will never have nuclear weapons." This is a collection of articles that discuss how this war is being fought, including the economic consequences.

Air & Space Power

F-35 proved combat readiness during Middle East deployments, Air Force officials say

The fifth-gen aircraft maintained high mission-capable rates, rapid turnaround times, and mission versatility. US Air Force leaders cited these successes as evidence of the jet’s effectiveness despite recent concerns about fleet-wide readiness.

Air & Space Power

Beyond the Reaper: Rethinking the future of multirole drones

The US Air Force’s heavy MQ-9 Reaper losses highlight the vulnerability of expensive multirole drones against modern air defences. The article argues future drone warfare should favour networks of smaller, specialised drones that are cost effective.

Air & Space Power

Between Attrition and Adaptation: Assessing Iran’s Missile- and Drone-Warfare Capabilities

Iran’s missile and drone forces have suffered major losses but remain capable of regeneration — dispersed production, foreign supply networks and tactical adaptation work. Solid-propellant missiles offer faster launches and greater survivability. Liquid for heavier, longer-range strikes.

US F15 Eagle Nellis Air Force Base.

Air & Space Power

How Bravo escaped enemy territory alive after Iranian forces downed jet

Iranian forces shot down a US F-15E. A wounded aircrew member survived more than 50 hours in hostile territory before a high-risk rescue — highlighting the value of training, teamwork, leadership and determination.

Strategic Influence

Iran is forging a new ring of proxies to threaten US allies in the Gulf, officials say

Iran-backed militias suffered major losses in the conflicts following Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel. Now, some experts say Iran is encouraging Iraqi militias to threaten Saudi Arabia and other American allies in the Gulf.

Strategic Influence

Jordan’s military deterrence has collapsed

Jordan’s reluctance to respond directly to repeated Iranian attacks may protect short-term stability, but it risks weakening national sovereignty and credibility . Despite strong military traditions, Amman has largely relied on defensive measures and U.S. support.

Strategic Influence

Crude Calculations: Why the Iran War Hasn’t Yet Caused an Oil Shock

Strategic reserves, bypass pipelines, production and lower consumption absorbed a record disruption exceeding two billion barrels. China cut seaborne imports by 40 per cent, demonstrating demand management can cushion future energy crises.

Strategic Influence

Hormuz: three critical islands

Iran and the UAE retain competing sovereignty claims. The disputed islands could influence freedom of navigation and regional stability — their future security may require regional administration rather than permanent control by an outside power.

Strategic Influence

What Should ASEAN Learn from the Strait of Hormuz Crisis?

The article asserts that ASEAN should strengthen maritime cooperation, uphold uninterrupted transit through the Strait of Malacca, and use regional dialogue mechanisms to prevent conflicts or unilateral actions that could disrupt a critical trade route.

Artificial Intelligence

AI and the Risks of Tearing Down an Old System

Operation Epic Fury demonstrated AI’s growing role in U.S. military targeting, but experts warn the Pentagon lacks the workforce, testing infrastructure, and evaluation processes needed to independently verify, and safely deploy, rapidly evolving AI systems.

Strategic Influence

Why Iran has not folded yet

Iran faces unprecedented economic pressure and possible military action if a deal isn’t reached. This article argues the war-hardened leadership will resist initially, but sanctions, shrinking oil revenues, and internal unrest could eventually force concessions.

Strategic Influence

Iran is draining its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s best move is to let it happen.

The article argues that Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz provides diminishing leverage as global energy markets adapt through alternative supplies, new infrastructure, and diversification, creating an opportunity for the US and its allies.

Artificial Intelligence

How a former Marine is rewriting the future of battlefield AI

The technical leader is transforming data workflows to deliver AI capabilities to frontline troops, using smaller edge-computing nodes and streamlined data processes. The approach, already supporting operations like Epic Fury, aims to accelerate battlefield decision-making.

HMAS Brisbane fires a Tomahawk

Military Management

Missiles worth $40 million a shot rack up America's Iran war costs

The conflict highlights a growing sustainability problem — sophisticated weapons can provide effective protection, but limited stocks, high costs and lengthy production times constrain future options. "Qualitative edge will always allow us to win" is a fallacy.

Air & Space Power

Airpower opened Iran’s skies. Why hasn’t it reopened Hormuz?

The article argues that Operation Epic Fury exposed a weakness in traditional airpower: achieving air superiority and destroying Iranian assets has not stopped low-cost drones and missiles from disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping.

HMAS Supply and HMAS Choules conduct a replenishment at sea during Pacific Partnership 2026.

Strategic Influence

Oil-rich Gulf nations building alternatives to Strait of Hormuz

Diversified export routes reduce dependence on single maritime choke points. Saudi Arabia has diverted exports through its East-West pipeline network, and the UAE increased pipeline use beyond Hormuz waters. Bab el-Mandeb Strait (Red Sea) also vulnerable.

Technology & Innovation

In first, US uses sea drones in combat in Iran strikes: CENTCOM

The un-crewed surface vessels—Corsair Sea drones—struck an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base, degrading maritime attack capabilities and highlighting the growing operational role of naval drones.

War II High Explosive is destroyed just off the coast of Bougainville

Strategic Influence

De-mining the Strait of Hormuz

Even after fighting ends, restoring confidence in one of the world's most important shipping routes could take months, affecting energy markets far beyond the immediate region. Mixed minefields increase uncertainty and advanced sonar is essential.

Strategic Influence

US, Iran reach peace deal, signing set for Friday

The US and Iran appear to have reached a peace deal to end hostilities and reopen trade routes, with a signing planned within days. Nuclear negotiations and responses to regional tensions remain ongoing.

The first Australian-manufactured Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles are test fired at Woomera

Military Management

Three Years to Restore US Depleted Weapons Stock

The Iran bombing campaign struck more than 12,000 targets. Recent operations have highlighted the challenge of rebuilding complex industrial capacity, showing that production timelines, supply chains and manufacturing resilience can be as important as funding.

HMAS Diamantina, Newport

Technology & Innovation

Iran’s new mini-submarine

The fleet includes approximately twenty compact diesel-electric submarines that can carry heavyweight torpedoes capable of sinking large vessels. Shallow water operations make underwater detection considerably more difficult. Older anti-submarine methods may remain effective against mini-submarines.

MAG 58

Communication & Cognition

The Iran Land War Illusion

Assumptions about a large-scale ground conflict overlook practical constraints—geography, politics, and cost make such scenarios unlikely, while misreading these limits risks poor planning and flawed expectations. Strategic planning must reflect realistic operational limitations.

Air & Space Power

NATO is well postured to defend Allied populations against ballistic threats

NATO’s successful detection, tracking, and interception of a ballistic missile demonstrates the effectiveness of IAMD, highlighting the ability to protect populations through coordinated C4ISR, early warning, and multi-domain defence systems.

F/A-18 Hornet Middle East.

Strategic Influence

Bookshelf: Iran’s Grand Strategy

Regime survival is the highest priority. The long-term approach reflects careful balancing of risk, influence, and survival—using indirect methods and regional partnerships to extend reach while avoiding pressures that could threaten internal stability.

Spartan aircraft Solomon Islands.

Strategic Influence

Beware the Long Reach of Iran War on Asia’s Food Systems

Disruptions across energy, shipping, and fertiliser supply chains could ripple into Asia’s food systems—driving higher prices, reduced access, and instability for populations already sensitive to global shocks. Regional cooperation needed to manage risks and stabilise supplies.

HMAS Adelaide sails into a rain cloud

Artificial Intelligence

When War Reaches the Cloud, AI Becomes a Target

As conflict extends into digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence systems become vulnerable targets—raising risks to services, trust, and decision-making that societies increasingly rely on every day. Adversaries may manipulate training data to influence outcomes.

Combat Training Centre and Cubic Defence Australia display new live integrated systems.

Technology & Innovation

Gulf states look to Ukraine for help countering Iran’s Shahed drones

Cost effective drones challenge traditional air defence systems—and Ukraine relies heavily on layered air defences against drone attacks. Electronic warfare and radar systems help detect incoming drones, while cooperation allows countries to share lessons.

Oil tanker in the Southern Indian Ocean.

Strategic Influence

Protecting Hormuz Passage

Safe passage through a critical global energy route remains fragile — coordinated international effort and practical risk management are essential to reduce disruption and maintain stability in global trade flows. Iran’s position enables chokepoint influence.

Hawkeye, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125.

Strategic Influence

People confuse China’s policy: Behind Russian, Chinese view on war in the Middle East

Despite close ties with Tehran, Beijing and Moscow have offered only diplomatic backing and cautious rhetoric, signalling strategic restraint while protecting broader interests and avoiding deeper involvement. Neither country announced economic or operational assistance.

AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile MQ-28A Ghost Bat

Technology & Innovation

As US depletes missile stocks, Australian industry should step up

Growing demand for advanced munitions is straining global supply, creating an opportunity for Australian industry to expand capability, strengthen partnerships, and support national resilience. Long-term contracts encourage industry confidence, workforce development and accelerate local production.

HMAS Gascoyne prepares depart Darwin Harbour.

Technology & Innovation

US Mine Clearing: State of Play

Sea mines remain cheap yet highly disruptive. Clearing them remains slow and complex despite modern technology, highlighting the continuing challenge of securing maritime routes and the need for improved systems, coordination, and sustained investment.

Conning tower wheel of AE2.

Strategic Influence

Ghost of Gallipoli: US warships cannot control the Strait of Hormuz

Geography, modern weapons, and historical precedent show how narrow waterways favour defenders—highlighting the risks powerful fleets face when operating in confined maritime spaces during crises. Mines remain effective tools for restricting maritime movement.

Solar farms supporting RAAF Base Darwin Robertson Barracks

Strategic Influence

The economic fallout of the Iran war for Indo-Pacific developing countries

Rising energy prices and disrupted trade flows spreading economic pressure beyond the Middle East, exposing how vulnerable many Indo-Pacific economies are to global shocks and supply disruptions. Transition to clean energy likely reduces future shocks.

HMAS Brisbane firing Tomahawk

Strategic Influence

Iran war: lessons for Australia

The conflict highlights how long-range reach, resilient infrastructure, and cooperation with partners shape national security, reminding Australian authorities that geography alone no longer guarantees safety. Essential multi-domain capabilities include cyber, space and autonomous systems.

Wedgetail aircraft prepares to depart RAAF Base Tindal

Cloud to ground: Iran puts foreign data centres on the front line

Recent strikes on Gulf infrastructure highlight a growing risk—digital services supporting finance, logistics and government depend on physical facilities, making resilience and distributed design essential. Future systems must absorb disruption to enable continued operation.

Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target Drone

Military Management

US using low-cost drones on Iran

The drones are Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) reverse-engineered Iranian Shahed drone designs. Affordable autonomous systems (US $35,000 each) show how simple, scalable technology can shift strategic thinking about cost, speed and innovation.

Roullettes and and Virgin Adelaide International Airport.

Strategic Influence

Iran’s threat to airline travel: The Gulf’s skies are now a chokepoint too

The attacks on the airport terminals show how targeting transport hubs can disrupt global travel and commerce. Interconnected infrastructure can become a strategic pressure point. Aviation chokepoints may prove more disruptive than maritime routes.

Strategic Influence

Iran spent years fostering proxies in Iraq. Now, many aren’t eager to join the war

Iran’s once-powerful proxy network in Iraq has grown weak and reluctant to fight; assassinations, lost supply lines, and leaders’ political and economic ambitions have left Tehran facing war largely without reliable militia support.

Cyber Command Australia

Iran v the world: The age of cyber kinetic warfare is well and truly here

Cyber-attacks are escalating alongside kinetic conflict, with Iran‑aligned groups targeting global infrastructure, data centres, elections and supply chains. This highlights that modern warfare blends cyber, AI and physical operations, putting even distant nations at risk.

Air & Space Power

US military uses PrSM for first time in combat, says CENTCOM

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the first combat use of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) in Operation Epic Fury. The weapons demonstrated new long‑range strike capability alongside other advanced U.S. weapons, against diverse Iranian-linked targets.

Air & Space Power

The US Air Force just used its oldest bomber to attack Iran

The B‑52, in service since 1952, joined B‑1 bombers in striking more than 2,000 Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating its enduring upgrade potential, deep‑strike capability, and continued role in establishing U.S. air superiority.

B2 Spirit

Communication & Cognition

Beyond bombs: cyber and information operations targeting Iran’s regime

Modern pressure campaigns now target digital trust and social cohesion as much as infrastructure. Sustained cyber and information disruption can weaken authority, strain governance, and reshape public belief long before decisive outcomes are clear.

Air & Space Power

US confirms first combat use of LUCAS one-way attack drone in Iran strikes

First time use of the new LUCAS autonomous kamikaze drone in strikes on Iran highlights a push for low‑cost, scalable attack systems and a new task force focused on rapid drone innovation and deployment.