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Israel Confirms Use of F-35s in Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran

The Chief of Defense Staff of the United Kingdom, Adm. Tony Radakin, has confirmed that Israel utilized F-35 fighter jets during its retaliatory strikes against Iran in late October. This operation is notable for showcasing the advanced capabilities of fifth-generation military aircraft.

Adm. Radakin highlighted the effectiveness of the F-35s, stating that they played a crucial role in the extensive strikes that took place on October 26, which targeted military installations in Iran, including air-defense systems and missile production facilities.

This announcement appears to be the first acknowledgment from a Western official regarding Israel’s deployment of its F-35s for this particular military action, which was initiated in response to a significant Iranian missile assault earlier that month.

Reports indicated that during these missions, Israeli forces launched air-launched ballistic missiles from the F-35s without flying close to their targets, effectively neutralizing Iran’s air-defense capabilities from a significant distance.

“Israel deployed over 100 aircraft, but launched fewer than 100 munitions in the first wave while maintaining a safe distance of at least 100 miles from the targets,” Adm. Radakin noted during a lecture at the Royal United Services Institute in London. “This operation systematically dismantled much of Iran’s air-defense network,” he added.

He further elaborated that the attacks have substantially impaired Iran’s capacity to produce ballistic missiles for up to a year, placing the Iranian leadership in a complicated position regarding its response, showcasing the significant advantages offered by modern aerial warfare tactics.

Adm. Radakin’s comments come at a time when discussions about military technology are gaining traction, particularly following criticisms from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk regarding the F-35 program. Musk recently expressed skepticism about the aircraft’s design and capabilities, invoking a debate about the future of air combat.

The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a versatile stealth aircraft that has been in service for nearly two decades. Israel, having adopted the F-35 for combat operations in 2018, currently operates around 40 F-35I jets, a variant tailored to its specific operational needs, with plans to increase its fleet to 75.

This operation underlines the critical role that advanced military aircraft like the F-35 play in contemporary conflicts, reinforcing Israel’s status as a key player in regional security dynamics.

For further insights, read the original article on Business Insider.

Source
www.yahoo.com