Operation Rising Lion: 200 Fighter Jets Strike Iran in Massive Israeli Air Offensive

In one of the largest air combat operations in the Middle East’s recent history, Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran, codenamed Operation Rising Lion. The operation saw the deployment of 200 advanced fighter jets, conducting airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities and strategic military installations on Friday.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out over 100 precision strikes, targeting Iran’s most critical assets — including nuclear enrichment facilities, air defense sites, military headquarters, and top leadership figures within the armed forces. The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of Iran’s armed forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, and several high-ranking nuclear scientists.

Details of the Air Operation

The operation began in the early hours with a large formation of Israeli fighter aircraft crossing regional airspace. Among the 200 jets involved were:

• F-35I Adir stealth fighters
  Equipped with advanced electronic warfare suites and precision-guided munitions, these aircraft played a leading role in neutralizing Iran’s sophisticated air defense systems.

• F-16I Sufa multirole fighters
  Capable of deep penetration strikes and long-range operations, they carried out attacks on nuclear and missile sites.

• F-15I Ra’am strike fighters
  Known for their heavy payload and long-range capabilities, these jets bombarded command centers and fortified military installations.

Targeted Strikes on Iran’s Defenses and Nuclear Program

A significant part of the operation focused on dismantling Iran’s western air defense infrastructure. Dozens of radar stations and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, including Russian-made S-300 systems and indigenous Bavar-373 batteries, were destroyed, according to Israeli military statements.

This was done to clear the airspace for follow-up missions and provide unrestricted operational freedom for Israeli aircraft. Among the most critical targets was the Natanz nuclear facility, Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site, which was heavily damaged in the strikes.

Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Fallout

In response, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israeli territory. Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3, were activated to intercept the incoming threats.

Meanwhile, air traffic in Tehran was suspended, with Imam Khomeini International Airport closed indefinitely. Iraq too shut its airspace, anticipating potential spillover. Israel also declared a state of emergency and closed its own airspace, bracing for possible Iranian retaliation.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed a “bitter and painful” response, while Iranian media reported civilian casualties due to stray missile impacts in urban residential areas.

U.S. Stance and International Tensions

Although U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed being informed ahead of the Israeli strikes, he emphasized that the United States was not a participant in the operation. However, Iran accused Washington of complicity, warning that the U.S. would bear “responsibility for consequences.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later announced that Operation Rising Lion would continue for “as many days as it takes” to cripple Iran’s nuclear threat, calling the initial wave “very successful.”

Conclusion

Operation Rising Lion marks a dramatic escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran. It involved an unprecedented scale of air power with 200 fighter jets, cutting-edge stealth aircraft, and precision weaponry. The operation struck deep into Iran’s defense infrastructure and nuclear program, altering the security landscape of the region and raising fears of a wider Middle Eastern conflict. As both sides remain on high alert, the next moves in this high-stakes confrontation are awaited with tense anticipation.