Israel deployed its top-of-the-line fighter jets and missiles as it carried out "precise strikes on military targets" in Iran, the latest attack in the escalating conflict between the rivals. The air strikes, which happened in three waves, come days after Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel in retaliation for the killing of the chiefs of its proxies Hezbollah and Hamas.
For the strikes, Israel deployed its fifth generation F-35 Adir fighter jets, F-15I Ra'am ground attack jets, and F-16I Sufa air defence jets, which covered approximately 2,000 kilometres. The weapons of choice were the 'Rampage' long-range, supersonic missile and the 'Rocks' next generation extended stand-off air-to-surface missile.
The Israeli army focused strictly on military targets and steered clear of targeting nuclear and oil facilities to prevent a wider conflict escalation.
A total of 100 fighter jets carried out the attacks in three waves on 20 missile and drone facilities of Iran. The first wave of attacks was on Iran's radar and air defence facilities, clearing the path for following strikes on military bases. Iran's missile and drone facilities were targeted in the second and third wave.
The fighter jets carried out the strikes in groups of 25-30. While 10 jets conducted the coordinated missile strikes, the others provided cover and diversion. During the strikes, called 'Operation Days of Repentance', Israeli and US air defences were on high alert to handle retaliatory missile strikes.
The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel's retaliation for the ballistic-missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1. Israel had to postpone its retaliatory strikes due to weather conditions. Since its missiles use camera seekers to hit the targets, Israel was waiting for clear weather to carry out the operation.
However, Iran said its air defence system successfully countered Israel's attacks in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam with "limited damage" to some locations. Iran and its neighbour Iraq closed their respective airspace following the attacks.
