|
Trending Topics
|
Iran, Israel, and the Struggle for the Skies over the Middle East
(Maxwell Air University-U.S. Air Force) Major Joshua Dryden, USAF - In March 2021, Israeli F-35s shot down a hostile drone, the first confirmed air-to-air kill for an F-35. The aircraft was one of three Iranian drones destined for Hamas-controlled territory in Gaza. In addition to collecting intelligence as they passed over Israeli territory, the drones carried weapons for Palestinian fighters. This incident is part of an increasing attempt by Iran to contest Israel's long-held supremacy in the skies over the Middle East. Israel has relied on a range of capabilities to sabotage Iranian capability developments and undermine Iranian power-projection efforts. This study examines Israeli airpower strategy in light of Iranian weapons developments and deployments across the region.