A massive Israeli airstrike using F‑35I stealth fighters reportedly struck over 100 Iranian military and nuclear sites with more than 330 munitions, exposing critical weaknesses in Iran’s air defenses and signaling a dramatic escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict.
At a Glance
- On June 13, 2025, the Israeli Air Force deployed over 200 jets, including multiple F‑35I Adir fighters, in five coordinated strike waves
- F‑35Is were modified with conformal fuel tanks to extend operational range without mid-air refueling
- Targets included the Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites, IRGC command hubs, airbases, missile batteries, and radar installations
- Iran’s air defense systems failed to prevent penetration, prompting alarm within Tehran
- No nuclear reactors were hit, and no radiological incidents were reported
Precision Strikes, No Nuclear Fallout
The June 13 Israeli strike on Iran marked the largest Israeli aerial operation since the 1980s, with more than 330 guided munitions targeting strategic military and nuclear infrastructure. Despite initial reports of “devastation,” no active nuclear reactors, such as Bushehr, were struck, and Iranian officials confirmed no radiological events occurred.
F‑35I fighters, modified with extended-range fuel tanks, enabled the Israeli Air Force (IAF) to strike deep into Iranian territory—including Tehran and key IRGC facilities—without the need for aerial refueling. The operation demonstrated the tactical flexibility and deep-strike potential of Israel’s next-gen stealth fleet.
Watch a report: Israel’s F‑35I: Deep Strike on Iran.
How Did Iran’s Air Defenses Fail?
Iranian officials admitted surprise at the IAF’s ability to evade detection, despite possessing advanced Russian and domestic SAM systems. According to analysts, radar blind spots and electronic countermeasures likely contributed to the breach.
The Israeli Air Force has long trained for such missions, and this operation reflects years of adaptation to Iranian airspace and SAM layouts. The F‑35I’s stealth profile, combined with conformal fuel modifications, proved decisive in neutralizing Iranian air defenses.
What Comes Next?
The strikes dramatically alter regional deterrence dynamics. Israel’s ability to reach any Iranian target at will will likely force Tehran to reassess its military posture. Whether the operation curtails Iran’s nuclear ambitions or provokes escalation remains uncertain.
With Iran’s leadership under pressure following these glaring air defense failures, regional tensions are expected to remain high in the coming weeks.
