Israel Claims Air Superiority Over Iran Amidst Escalating Conflict
Military operations target Iranian nuclear sites and missile capabilities.
Amidst an escalating conflict, the Israeli military has announced air dominance across large swathes of Iran, including Tehran. This declaration comes as airstrikes intensify, focusing on dismantling the country’s nuclear program and military infrastructure.
Strategic Aerial Advantage
The Israeli Defense Forces say they have achieved complete aerial superiority over significant areas of Iran. These operations, which started several days ago, are targeting Iran’s nuclear program and its military assets, including surface-to-air missile systems.
Israel is utilizing its advanced F-35I stealth fighter jets alongside fourth-generation aircraft like the F-16 and F-15. These aircraft are also deploying cheap, guided bombs on Iranian targets.
“The effective Israeli strikes on Iranian air defenses and military airports will degrade Iran’s ability to restrict Israeli operations in its airspace.”
— Institute for the Study of War, Conflict Studies Think Tank
Iran’s Response
In retaliation, Iran has launched over 370 ballistic missiles since Friday, causing casualties and injuries. Missile launches are costly, with some missiles costing millions of dollars each, whereas Israel is using cheaper, precision-guided munitions like JDAMs and SPICE bombs.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Iran possesses an estimated 3,000 ballistic missiles. (CFR, 2024)
Impact and Tactics
The airstrikes have been wide-ranging, including an attack on Mashhad airport, which is roughly 1,400 miles from Israel. These attacks showcase Israel’s ability to operate largely unhindered in Iranian airspace.
Israel Defense Forces
Israel has targeted Iran’s air defenses and military airports. This is impacting Iran’s capacity to constrain Israeli operations in its airspace, as the Institute for the Study of War indicated on Sunday.
Weapons Systems in Use
Israeli fighter jets have been observed using Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), which are guided bombs made by Boeing. They have also deployed SPICE bombs, precision-guided weapons developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Israel Defense Forces/Screengrab via Telegram
Financial Considerations
The ongoing conflict is placing a financial burden on both sides. While Iranian drones, such as the Shahed-136, are relatively inexpensive at about $20,000 each, they are easily intercepted. Conversely, Israel’s Iron Dome interceptors cost roughly $50,000 apiece, with Arrow-3 system missiles costing several million dollars each.
US officials have confirmed that American forces have helped to intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel but are not engaged in offensive actions. Israel has initiated “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear program.
These strikes could potentially derail President Donald Trump‘s efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, has long advocated for a military approach to manage the perceived threat.
