16 APR 2026
Iran

US air campaign buildup for Iran operation

Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 17:11 UTC · 3 sources

The United States has executed a massive air power buildup over the past two months in support of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, involving over 7,600 publicly tracked military flights. This represents the largest US air power buildup since Operation Iraqi Freedom, with more than 572 unique aircraft participating in the campaign. The buildup underscores the scale of US military preparations amid ongoing tensions with Iran, as tracked by sources like Rerum Novarum. The operation continues to be a focal point of US foreign policy under President Donald Trump's administration.

Updates
6h ago@officialrnintel

The report now specifies the exact number of flights as 7,642 and provides a direct comparison to Operation Iraqi Freedom, confirming this as the largest US air power buildup since that conflict.

5h ago@officialrnintel

The message adds that the buildup marks the largest US air power buildup since Operation Iraqi Freedom, with over 572 unique aircraft involved.

Key Details
7,642 total US military flights tracked
572 unique aircraft involved
1,601 transatlantic crossings made
40% of US aerial refueler fleet deployed
C-17 cargo aircraft: 3,399 flights
Sources
TGRerum Novarum // Intel, Breaking News, and Alerts 🇺🇸view6h ago
TW@officialrnintelview6h ago
TW@officialrnintelview5h ago
Cycle: Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 17:11 UTC · First reported: 6h ago