The US deployed 15,000 troops and hundreds of pieces of advanced equipment for the operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Operation Freedom Project deployed guided missile destroyers, A-10 bombers, and multi-domain drone systems to lift the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has just released details of the scale of forces participating in Operation "Project Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz. The primary objective of this military operation is to free commercial ships that are being blockaded as a result of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Scale of forces and equipment involved in the battle
According to CENTCOM, military support for the operation includes guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft from land and sea, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 military personnel. US President Donald Trump affirmed that Washington began deploying the operation to assist ships in leaving the disputed waters, while warning that any interference would be dealt with by force.
The role of destroyer fleets and air force
In terms of operational structure, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is considered the "backbone" of the fleet. Currently, the US maintains 12 destroyers in the Middle East, two of which have entered the Strait of Hormuz to conduct mine-clearing operations. Notably, these ships prioritize air defense protection for carrier strike groups rather than directly escorting commercial vessels.
In terms of air power, the US maintains an overwhelming presence with over 100 aircraft. Armed helicopters are responsible for low-altitude patrols against small vessels, while A-10 attack aircraft are tasked with suppressing surface targets and destroying enemy coastal missile sites.
Drone warfare and personnel deployment
In addition to manned forces, multi-domain unmanned platforms (drones) are deployed simultaneously in the air and at sea. This system performs reconnaissance or direct attack missions to respond immediately to threats in the vicinity of commercial vessels.
In terms of personnel, although the mobilization reached 15,000 people, the majority of the force played a logistical support role. At least two US aircraft carriers are currently stationed in the Strait of Hormuz, each maintaining approximately 5,000 personnel to ensure continuous operational and combat capabilities in the airspace over Hormuz.
