The Israeli Air Force has gained sustained control over Iranian airspace following a series of coordinated strikes targeting Tehran’s air defense systems, military bases, and launch sites, according to Israeli military officials.
After a major opening salvo in the early hours of June 13, Israeli aircraft have continued operations deep within Iranian territory, systematically eliminating surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and neutralizing military facilities deemed capable of threatening Israeli forces or territory.
In newly released footage, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showcased precision strikes against key Iranian assets, including the destruction of a Russian-made Tor-M1 air defense system and a Fateh-110 ballistic missile launcher. Israeli air-launched cruise missiles reportedly hit both during follow-on waves of the operation.
The ongoing campaign, launched under the framework of Israel’s response to escalating threats from Iran, appears focused on degrading the Islamic Republic’s integrated air defense network, much of which has been developed with Russian technology and support.
According to Israeli assessments, the first wave of strikes disrupted Iranian air defense coordination to the point where, by the second day of operations, no organized counter-response had been mounted. While scattered anti-air activity has been reported, it has not hindered Israeli aircraft from executing repeated sorties across a broad area of central and western Iran.
Israeli forces are maintaining air superiority and operating freely over enemy territory.
The Israeli campaign, unprecedented in its scale and depth, involves repeated sorties by fighter aircraft and long-range precision weapons. The primary objective appears to be the long-term degradation of Iran’s ability to detect, track, or intercept incoming threats — a task that may take multiple phases to complete, analysts suggest.
Israeli sources have stated that airstrikes are focused not only on known SAM batteries but also on forward-deployed air bases, radar sites, and ballistic missile launch facilities. In addition to the ballistic missile launchers, several missile depots and command centers have reportedly been destroyed in the last 48 hours.
While Iranian state media has acknowledged explosions near key military zones, Tehran has not provided an official casualty count or confirmed the extent of the damage to its air defense network. Iranian air defense units, composed of both domestically produced and Russian-origin platforms, have so far been unable to stop the Israeli incursions.
Observers note that Israel’s operation marks the first time since the 1981 Osirak raid that its air force has carried out such deep, sustained air operations against a sovereign nation’s military infrastructure more than 1,500 kilometers from its own territory.
There has been no formal reaction from Russian officials regarding the performance of their defense systems now in Iranian service. However, the failure of Iranian forces to counter multiple waves of Israeli strikes may raise questions about the viability of those systems in high-intensity conflict environments.
All aircraft and pilots returned home
All Israeli pilots who took part in a major aerial operation over Iran have returned safely, according to an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) official.
The large-scale strike, which targeted Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure and air defense systems, was described by military sources as the most extensive action of its kind to date.
The IDF confirmed that approximately 200 fighter jets were deployed in the operation, aimed at neutralizing missile and nuclear threats posed to Israel.
“As part of the strikes, dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers were destroyed,” the IDF said Friday.
The operation, part of Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Iran’s strategic capabilities, drew on real-time surveillance and long-range strike coordination.
The operation was launched under the codename “Rising Lion.”
Earlier reports confirmed that dozens of air defense systems, with ranges spanning from 24 km to 300 km, were destroyed.
Visual evidence released by the IDF supports claims of widespread destruction across multiple installations, including mobile and fixed missile launchers. Analysts note that the strikes not only disrupted Iran’s immediate ability to launch attacks, but also likely damaged key elements of its longer-term deterrent.
Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel will continue to act against threats to its sovereignty. “The precise targeting of Iranian commanders, military infrastructure, and nuclear personnel sends a strong message: those who seek to destroy Israel will face consequences,” he said.
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