Tension grips the Middle East yet again as the latest reports indicate that the United States' military build-up targeting Iran could turn out to be no bluff, with a conflict likely by the weekend. US President Trump has ordered a major military build-up in the region as he contemplates the use of force, with a second aircraft carrier group en route. "The President has ordered the continued build-up in the region, including the arrival of the second carrier group. Full forces should be in place by mid-March," a senior U.S. official was quoted as telling news agency Reuters.
The United States wants Iran to give up its nuclear programme, but Iran has adamantly refused and denied it is trying to develop an atomic weapon. Iran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile programme.
Further intensifying fears of a conflict, the US military has reportedly repositioned aircraft and naval assets to sites near Iran since mid-January. An additional carrier strike group was also heading to the region as of 18 February 2026, CNN claimed. While fleets of F-35s, F-16s, B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, and P-8A Poseidons are obviously part of the US military build-up, here are three aircraft that pose a major threat to Iran, in case Trump gives his forces the go-ahead signal:
MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System:
Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by the United States Navy and Royal Australian Air Force for surveillance. The Triton is intended to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over vast ocean and coastal regions, provide continuous maritime surveillance, conduct search and rescue missions, and complement the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India
The developers claim that "Triton can see farther, fly longer, act faster, identify quicker and is more survivable than less capable medium-altitude uncrewed systems." Tritons are capable of operating at altitudes above 50,000 ft for 24-plus hours with a range of 7,400 nautical miles. The remotely piloted aircraft offers an impressive operational range of 15,000 kilometres, enabling long-haul missions without frequent refuelling stops. It can operate at a ceiling of up to 50,000 feet, allowing it to cruise well above commercial air traffic and most adverse weather conditions. With a top speed of 600 km/h, it combines endurance with steady performance, making it well-suited for extended strategic missions.
EA-18G Growler:
It was reported that during the operation to arrest Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s air defence systems were quickly taken out of the equation by a US Navy squadron nicknamed the “Zappers”, which operates the Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft.
Specialising in electronic warfare (EW), the Growler is fitted with large pods under its wings and belly to suppress enemy air defences (SEAD) and jam enemy radars and communications. The carrier-based airborne electronic attack aircraft has been in operation since 2009. It has a wingspan of 44.9 feet, a length of 60.2 feet, and a height of 16 feet. It is operated by a pilot and a co-pilot who specialise in electronic warfare, and can reach a maximum speed of 1,381 mph, The Wall Street Journal said in a report. The aircraft is capable of operating at altitudes of more than 50,000 feet and has a weight of 16.55 tonnes. Apart from the US Navy, the jets are also operated by Australia.
Its Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) suite and open mission systems enable integrated electronic-attack effects that protect friendly forces, shape the battlespace, and support interoperable tactics with allied platforms, Boeing claims. According to Australian government sources, the Growlers can be equipped with AGM-88 Anti-Radiation Missiles, AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missiles, and AIM-9X “Sidewinder” Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, among other weapons.
RC-135V/W Rivet Joint:
Also used by the UK's Royal Air Force, the Boeing RC-135 is a family of large reconnaissance aircraft used to deliver real-time electronic intelligence using advanced sensors and ground support teams. Capable of housing a mission crew of over 30, these aircraft are often used to detect, identify, and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The retrieved info is then forwarded to ground units in a variety of formats to multiple receivers via the Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite.
Each RC-135V aircraft measures 41.1 metres in length, stands 12.8 metres tall, and has a wingspan of 39.9 metres. It can reach a maximum speed of 470 knots (approximately 870 km/h) and can fly at altitudes exceeding 39,000 feet.