Israel’s Largest Military Operation Against Iran
On Saturday, Israel launched what it called the “largest military overflight in the history of the Israeli Air Force,” deploying around 200 fighter jets to target nearly 500 Iranian missile and air defense installations almost simultaneously. Commanders indicated that the operation effectively neutralized a pressing threat and considerably bolstered Israel’s air superiority over Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the strike as the most extensive assault ever undertaken by the Israeli Air Force (IAF), which specifically aimed at ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems throughout western and central Iran.
The military stated, “This was the largest attack sortie in the history of the Israeli Air Force and was executed after careful planning with high-quality intelligence, coordinating hundreds of aircraft at the same time.”
According to the IDF, the jets released hundreds of munitions targeting approximately 500 locations, including surface-to-surface missile launchers and anti-aircraft units. They noted that this strike on Iran’s defense structures allowed for extending air superiority and delivered a significant blow to the regime’s core offensive capabilities in western Iran.
A key focus of the operation was a ballistic missile site near Tabriz in western Iran. The IDF reported that this particular facility was integral to Iran’s missile forces, which had plans to launch numerous missiles toward Israel.
The IDF claimed the operation inhibited several threats against IAF pilots and Israeli civilians. They further asserted, “The IAF continues to operate in Iran,” emphasizing their commitment to undermining different facets of the Iranian regime.
Footage released by the IDF depicted two primary wave strikes. The first targeted radar systems and anti-aircraft defenses, including sites near Israel and around Tehran. The second aimed at Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, intending to lessen the potential for attacks on Israel.
Before the operation, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir informed the pilots that they were embarking on a mission of historic significance. He encouraged them, stating, “Hit the target – you are making history. I have complete confidence in you.”
Following the initial phase, Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Barr conducted a situational evaluation with the pilots and the command team. He praised the successful execution of Genesis, the first phase of Operation Roaring Lion, remarking that they had completed a crucial mission for the IAF.
Barr characterized Genesis as a formation of around 200 fighter jets working alongside numerous personnel and thousands of support troops. He noted that the operation had effectively eliminated a direct threat to Israel. He stated, “I can say at this point, we are off to a strong start.”
This operation unfolded as part of a joint military initiative between Israeli and American forces targeting Tehran’s missile capabilities. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a “massive combat operation” aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile stockpile and production facilities, warning the Iranian regime that failure to comply would lead to severe consequences.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory missiles, triggering air raid sirens across Israel. The Israeli Air Force promptly intervened to intercept the incoming threats, with the IDF confirming that the operation was ongoing.
