Advanced combat tactics and cutting-edge technology dismantle Tehran’s missile shield.

Israel’s F-35 stealth fighters have long dominated in lower-intensity conflicts, but their recent mission against Iran’s sophisticated air defenses demonstrates a new level of warfighting mastery. In late October, these fifth-generation jets spearheaded a massive strike on Iran, dismantling its Russian-built missile systems and crippling its radar networks. The operation not only marked a major military success for Israel but also underscored the game-changing potential of the F-35 in modern warfare.

For years, the F-35 has operated in the Middle East, targeting non-state actors like ISIS and the Houthis in relatively uncontested airspace. However, the Israeli Air Force’s ability to take on Iran’s robust Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile systems signals the aircraft’s evolution from counterterrorism missions to defeating state-level adversaries with advanced air defenses.

Adm. Tony Radakin, the UK’s chief of defense staff, highlighted the magnitude of the operation in a December 4 lecture. He revealed that Israel deployed over 100 aircraft, executing precision strikes from more than 100 miles away, and still managed to neutralize nearly all of Iran’s air-defense capabilities. Such results showcased not only the lethality of the F-35 but also Israel’s tactical ingenuity in executing a large-scale, multi-platform operation with surgical precision.

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is more than just a fighter jet. Its cutting-edge stealth capabilities, advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, and electronic warfare tools make it a command and control platform, bomber, and aerial combat powerhouse rolled into one. Israel’s customized version of the F-35A has repeatedly proven its worth since it became the first country to use the jet in combat in 2018.

The recent operation’s success highlighted the F-35’s ability to destroy hardened targets, such as missile production sites, without exposing itself to enemy defenses. Its low observability and ability to share battlefield intelligence in real-time provide an unmatched advantage over adversaries.

Mark Gunzinger, a retired US Air Force colonel, emphasized that without the F-35, such a mission against Iran’s fortified defenses would have been significantly riskier. By dismantling Iran’s air-defense network, Israel has put Tehran at a severe disadvantage, stripping it of a crucial shield against future aerial operations.

While the F-35’s combat performance against Iran has proven its operational effectiveness, questions remain about its performance in higher-intensity conflicts against near-peer rivals like Russia or China. These nations boast more advanced air-defense systems and their own fifth-generation aircraft, which could challenge the F-35’s dominance.

Additionally, the F-35 program faces rising costs, logistical challenges, and maintenance issues, which have drawn criticism even as demand for the aircraft grows. Lawmakers in the US Congress, recognizing its critical role in modern warfare, have called for increased production in the 2025 defense spending bill.

Nevertheless, Israel’s recent strikes serve as a stark warning to its adversaries in the region. The F-35 is no longer just a high-tech symbol—it is a proven tool for reshaping the battlefield and neutralizing advanced threats. As Israel continues to enhance its fleet and refine its tactics, the F-35 remains a central pillar of its military dominance in the Middle East.