The Israeli Air Force has gained significant air dominance, impacting regional dynamics and security.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has always been a top player in the region, mainly thanks to U.S. support. But over the past year, they’ve shown they can hit their targets with ease, establishing a strong air presence across the area. They’ve taken out a lot of Iranian and Russian air defenses, making it tough for Iran to retaliate effectively.
They’ve also targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon, taking out their missile stockpiles and even eliminating a key leader in a precise strike. The IAF’s power was so overwhelming in Syria that both the Assad regime and Russia reportedly asked Israel to go easy on Assad’s military after the regime fell apart last December.
With Syria’s military weakened, Israel seized the moment. The IAF has destroyed most of Syria’s air defenses and military supplies. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, the IAF has really shown its strength and is enjoying this newfound dominance.
Israeli fighter pilots can now operate freely, flying in pairs and at various altitudes without much worry. The IAF is not just the strongest in the Middle East; it’s one of the most advanced globally, boasting over 600 aircraft and a large number of personnel. They operate a significant fleet of F-16s and are the only country in the region flying the F-35 stealth jet.
The IAF has played a crucial role in Israel’s defense, giving the country an edge in past conflicts, like the Six Day War in 1967. Their recent operations have shown that they can strike across Syria without facing much danger, as many of the air defenses were either abandoned or not ready for action.
In a recent operation, Israel launched a major air and drone attack against Iran, targeting Syrian air defenses beforehand. They even used Iraqi airspace to hit Iranian targets. Some Israeli aircraft reportedly entered Iranian airspace, which was partly to demonstrate their capabilities and hit deeper targets.
With Syria’s air defenses mostly gone, Israel can now operate closer to Iran. This means they can refuel their aircraft in Syrian airspace, allowing for more extensive operations against Iran. Experts believe it will take years for Syria to rebuild its air defenses, giving Israel a significant advantage in the meantime.
While airpower is impressive, it has its limits. Despite extensive bombing in Gaza, it was a ground patrol that ultimately took out Hamas’ leader. Similarly, airstrikes haven’t stopped Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
With Russia’s influence waning, Turkey is stepping in as Syria’s new military ally, which could complicate things for Israel in the future. For now, Israel can fly over Syria without much concern, but that might change as Syria rebuilds its defenses.
