During its recent attack on Israel, Iran unveiled the extent of its missile arsenal, but it is clear that Tehran cannot engage in a direct air war with its archenemy. This was further highlighted by Israel’s measured and precise response to the attack.
Less than a week after Iran launched over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel, the Israeli armed forces retaliated. Rather than mounting a broad counterstrike to demonstrate their military superiority, Israel opted for a limited air attack. This response underscored the military vulnerabilities of the Iranian regime.
Reports indicate that Israel used two or three medium-range Blue Sparrow missiles in the airstrike on Iran. These missiles, usually used for training purposes, have a range of 2,000 kilometers, allowing Israel to target air force bases and nuclear facilities deep within Iran from a distance.
The Israeli attack likely originated from rocket launch modules discovered near Iraqi towns close to the Iranian border, suggesting that Israeli jets flew via Syria to Iraq for the operation. This maneuver helped shorten the reaction time of Iranian air defenses. Israel’s air force boasts modern fighter jets, including American F-35s, F-15s, and F-16s, which were likely involved in the operation.
The successful air strike by Israel targeted an anti-aircraft system at the Shekari air base, revealing vulnerabilities in Iran’s air defenses. Iran’s fighter jet fleet, including outdated Russian models, pales in comparison to Israel’s more modern and well-trained troops. While Iran has invested in hundreds of anti-aircraft systems, the exchange of blows with Israel exposed the limitations of their air defenses.
Despite Iran’s aspirations to modernize its military arsenal, Israel’s attack revealed the weaknesses in Tehran’s air defense capabilities. The shadow war between Iran and Israel continues, with both sides showing reluctance to engage in direct conflict. Iran must rely on its allies, such as Hezbollah and other militias, to pose a significant threat to Israel’s armed forces. The recent exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel underscores the ongoing tensions in the region.