AFCENT Airmen played a central role in U.S. and coalition operations ranging from strikes on Houthi targets during Operation Rough Rider to Bomber Task Force missions against Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer. These operations dismantled violent extremist networks and supported the defence of regional partners.
Operation Rough Rider was conducted between March and May 2025 across the maritime and air domains. AFCENT forces supported actions against Houthi terrorists threatening international shipping and partner territory, disrupting planned launches and destroying weapons systems in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Following an attack on U.S. and partner forces on 13 December, AFCENT airpower conducted Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria on 19 December. Working with joint and partner forces, Airmen struck multiple locations with more than 100 precision munitions to target ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.
AFCENT also contributed to broader deterrence efforts through Operation Midnight Hammer. U.S. leaders highlighted the success of precision strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, demonstrating integrated planning, long-range reach and a commitment to limiting the production of weapons of mass destruction.
Coalition training and integration formed a cornerstone of AFCENT’s 2025 strategy. Through multinational exercises, allied forces strengthened collective defence and operational interoperability.
“Our strength in this region is unequivocally linked to the strength of our partnerships,” said Derek France, AFCENT commander. “Exercises like Spears of Victory, Bright Star, and Ferocious Falcon are essential in forging the trust and interoperability that make us a cohesive and formidable fighting force. We are faster, smarter and more resilient when we train and operate as one team.”
Additional exercises enhanced layered defence and personnel recovery capabilities across the region. These included the Yellow Sands series, Blue Phoenix combat search and rescue training, and participation in the Kyrgyz-led Ak Shumkar 2025 exercise alongside Montana Army and Air National Guard forces.
To improve speed and survivability, AFCENT continued to lead the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment model through Agile Spartan. This initiative distributed combat capabilities across forward locations and validated sustainment and command and control concepts tailored to the CENTCOM theatre.
Base defence innovation also advanced during the year, including the first launch of a small unmanned aerial system quadcopter by the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. CENTCOM and Qatari partners also opened a bilateral combined command post for air defence at Al Udeid Air Base, enhancing shared situational awareness.
“The dynamic threats across the CENTCOM AOR demand constant adaptation and a decisive edge,” France said. “This year, our airpower not only neutralized immediate dangers posed by extremist networks but also demonstrated our unyielding commitment to regional stability through advanced deterrence and agile combat employment. We are proving that our capacity to innovate directly translates to our ability to stabilize the region.”
AFCENT also emphasised people-to-people engagement through cultural and public outreach. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed at Qatar’s inaugural international military music and marching festival, while the AFCENT Band performed across Qatar and at Dubai Airshow 2025.
At the airshow, aerial demonstrations featured F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft alongside F-35 Lightning II, B-52 Stratofortress and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft. These displays underscored U.S. commitment to regional security and highlighted American airpower capabilities.
“While the hardware and high-tech systems are impressive, the heart of our success is, and always will be, our people,” France said. “Seeing our Airmen connect with regional Air Force counterparts and communities, representing the best of America with professionalism and friendship, fills me with immense pride. They are the true ambassadors of our commitment, and it’s their dedication, both on the flight line and in the community, that made every one of this year’s achievements possible.”
Across the region, AFCENT Airmen and coalition partners delivered combat effects, deepened relationships and elevated readiness in 2025. The command said these efforts ensure U.S. and partner forces remain prepared to deter aggression, defeat threats and secure the skies in the year ahead.
