Historic Operation: Israeli Air Force Strikes Iran
F-15 Pilot Reflects on the Mission
In a gripping account of the Israeli Air Force’s recent operation against Iran, reserve lieutenant colstartl (retired) N., an F-15 pilot, shared his thoughts on participating in what is regarded as a historic military intervention. Speaking after three bombing sorties over Iran, he expressed astonishment at the reality of the situation: “Until the moment I took off, I didn’t truly believe it would happen. You prepare for something like this for so long, and even up until the last moment, I thought it wouldn’t come to fruition.”
The operation marked the first time N. conducted missions in Iranian airspace, prompting him to reflect on the enormity of the mission’s implications. “It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve been in the air force for ten years, prepared for this moment, and now we are doing it. To fly 1,500 kilometers and strike Tehran is everything we’ve worked toward. It’s no coincidence that the IDF initiated this conflict; the Iranian threat required a decisive response.”
Complexities of the Operation
As part of the preparation, aircraft and technical teams underwent extensive training leading up to the attack. N. detailed the mission’s complexity, which included a roughly four-hour flight that encompassed aerial refueling and traversing the skies of Syria and Iraq. “Just a year ago, we could not have imagined flying this route. Once you penetrate Iranian airspace, with its multitude of threats, the intensity increases significantly,” he explained.
N. described three key moments of relief during the mission: the first being when the bombs were released towards their targets, the second upon crossing into Iraq from Iran, and the third upon reaching the ground.
Personal Impact and Ongoing Commitment
Since October 7, N. has been dedicated to his reserve servstart, balancing military duties with personal life as he and his wife await the birth of their child. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “Every sortie offers a completely new world of challenges and emotions.” This commitment underscores the dual nature of his life as both a family man and a soldier actively engaged in significant military operations.
As this pivotal conflict unfolds, the implications extend beyond military engagement, indicating a complex landscape for Israel and its regional security dynamics. The IDF’s decisive stance against perceived threats from Iran hints at ongoing tensions that will shape future geopolitical developments