U.S. space and cyber forces were the initial elements in the recent strikes against Iran. These forces played a crucial role in disrupting Iranian networks, paving the way for a large-scale joint operation. Pentagon officials confirmed the success of these non-kinetic effects, which helped degrade Iran's ability to see, communicate, and respond effectively.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. SPACECOM and U.S. CYBERCOM initiated Operation Epic Fury.
- Non-kinetic effects disrupted Iran's sensor and communication networks.
- Over 1,000 targets were struck in the first 24 hours of the campaign.
- Space capabilities are integral to modern military operations, often unseen.
- Iran's counterspace capabilities are considered nascent.
First Moves in Operation Epic Fury
The Defense Department launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28. This campaign targeted key government and military sites. These included command and control facilities, ballistic missile sites, and a compound where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was meeting with advisors. Both U.S. and Iranian officials have since confirmed Khamenei's death.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, stated that space and cyber forces were the "first movers". They layered non-kinetic effects, which are methods that do not rely on physical force. These actions disrupted and degraded Iran's ability to see, communicate, and respond. Caine confirmed that these effects successfully disrupted Iran’s sensor and communications networks.
Operation Epic Fury at a Glance
- Start Date: February 28
- Initial Targets: Government and military hubs, command and control facilities, ballistic missile sites, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound.
- First 24 Hours: Over 1,000 targets struck.
- Key Outcome: Confirmed death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Unseen Force of Space Operations
Many military operations involve visible aircraft, ships, and weapons. However, space operations often remain unseen. These capabilities are crucial for disrupting or enabling communication, guidance, navigation, and target identification. They are an invisible force working behind the scenes.
Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, head of the Space Force’s Combat Forces Command, emphasized the critical role of space effects. He likened them to flour in baking, stating,
"We’re baked in everything. If you love cookies and you love brownies, we’re actually the flour. You don’t see us, but you need us."This analogy highlights the fundamental, yet often unnoticed, importance of space capabilities in modern warfare.
Essential Space Capabilities
Pentagon officials have acknowledged the critical role of space capabilities in recent operations. These include last year’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and a January mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. While specific systems remain undisclosed, Gagnon identified three essential capability sets:
- Global Sensor Grid: This network includes ground-based telescopes and radars. It has a presence on every continent except Antarctica, providing widespread surveillance.
- Intelligence Forces: These units gather and analyze crucial information to support operations.
- Electronic Warfare Assets: Some of these assets are based in the U.S., while others are deployed globally. They are used to disrupt enemy electronics.
Space Force's Growing Role
The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, is the space service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. It also provides space capabilities to the joint force.
Setting the Stage for Strikes
Space capabilities likely played a key role in preparing for Operation Epic Fury. Charles Galbreath, a senior resident fellow for space studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, suggested that U.S. Space Forces Central likely contributed to planning efforts. This ensured that space effects were fully integrated into the operation.
Before Epic Fury, space operators probably worked to ensure GPS and communication signals were strong enough to withstand jamming attempts. Conversely, they also tried to deny or scramble Iran’s navigation and satellite communication systems. Galbreath noted,
"If Iran was using satellite communications, which I suspect they would, we want to be able to deny those, to confuse their command and control."
Protecting Assets and Disrupting Adversaries
During Operation Midnight Hammer last June, B-2 bombers dropped bunker-busting bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities. Space Force electromagnetic warfare units helped ensure these bombers could safely engage their targets. Mission Delta 3, responsible for electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, uses systems like the Remote Modular Terminal, a small, deployable jammer.
SPACECOM likely relied heavily on missile warning and defense capabilities to counter Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Any targeting information from these sensors would integrate with intelligence data from the National Reconnaissance Office. Galbreath explained, "What comes to mind first is missile warning capabilities that can cue either intercept aircraft or ground-based missile defense systems or ship-based missile defense systems to support the shoot-down of those incoming attacks." He also highlighted the importance of cyber capabilities to defend U.S. networks against attacks.
Iran's Counterspace Capabilities
Iran’s own counterspace capabilities are described as "nascent". The country may possess some jamming and spoofing systems. Galbreath noted that developing a basic noise generator to jam frequencies is not overly complex. However, he questioned whether anything more sophisticated would be an indigenous Iranian capability or supplied by another country.
Since the U.S. launched its initial attacks, there have been multiple reports of GPS and Automatic Identification System interference. These incidents have affected ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil trade route in the Middle East. This suggests Iran may be attempting to use its limited electronic warfare capabilities in response.
The invisible war in space and cyberspace is becoming increasingly central to modern military strategy. These operations, while often unseen, are fundamental to the success of kinetic actions on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Their continued evolution will shape future conflicts.