Alwaght- As the confrontation between Tehran and Tel Aviv heats up, Iran reports significant achievements. Iranian military has recently confirmed it shot down F-35 fighter jets. In this connection, the military issued a statement saying that the country's air defenses have downed two F-35s and a large number of MAVs.
Iranian gains in the first 48 hours of war
In the first 48 hours of the Israeli aggression against Iran, Tehran managed to make significant gains by successfully targeting targets in the occupied territories and firing missiles, and the downing of F-35 stealth jets is one of these achievements. Other achievements of Iran in confronting the Israeli aggression in the first 48 hours of the conflict include the following:
- Firing more than 300 ballistic missiles into the occupied territories
- More than 50 killed in Iranian attacks on Israeli cities
- Targeting the Dimona nuclear reactor, the Ministry of Defense, the Tel Aviv and Navatim air bases, gas platforms on the Gaza coast, sites in Haifa, the financial center of Tel Aviv, and the ministry of economy
- Transforming the normal lives of more than 8 million Israelis into a life in refuge
$100 million achievement
Meanwhile, one of the Iranian feats is shooting down of at least 2 F-35s, to the Israeli surprise. The F-35, which is said to be stealth, is available in three models. The value of each F-35 fighter jet is estimated at approximately $100 million. Regarding the significance of the downing of these fighters, the following can be considered:
First time in history: By examining the history of air wars, we will realize that this is the first time that an air defense system has succeeded in detecting and destroying F-35 fighters. Previously, these aircraft have crashed due to operational error or of friendly fire (in the innermost enemy defense areas). Even in the Ukraine-Russia war, although Russia has claimed to have shot down F-35s, there is no independent confirmation of this claim. In contrast, the performance of the Iranian air defense forces in this case, with the publication of official images and reports by the Iranian army, has provided the necessary credibility for it to be considered a historical record in global air defense.
Strategic importance and changing balance of power: This action not only demonstrates the full readiness of Iran’s air defense forces against air aggression, but also sends a strong message to its enemies that it is incapable of creating strategic substitution through air superiority. This is especially important given the fact that the Israeli regime is using F-35s to attack Iranian strategic targets. Furthermore, this event could serve as a model for other countries to invest in modern air defense to withstand advanced threats.
Showing off the capabilities of the Iranian armed forces: It should be noted that this American fighter jet and systems are not limited to these cases, and the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran were able to challenge unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and F-15 and F-16 fighters, and have achieved superiority in this combined air war by the US and Israel. In fact, with this amount of excessive American spending on Israel and considering the air support, equipment from different countries, and different air systems; Iran showed that it can question all the capabilities of this fighter jet, and undoubtedly, in this unequal war, the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran's army are certainly new military challenges for the Israeli military.
Key features of F-35
The F-35 fighter is used by the American military and allies. These countries include the following: US (Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps), Britain, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Denmark, Finland (receiving), Switzerland (finalizing the purchase). At the same time, some of these countries also have domestic production or assembly lines. It is noteworthy that the F-35 fighter has the following advanced features:
Stealth technology: The design of the fuselage and the materials used make the aircraft invisible to radar.
Advanced electronic systems: It has AESA radar, infrared sensors, electronic warfare system, and the ability to collect and share information in real time.
Network-Centric Warfare: Constant communication with ground, naval, and air units for better coordination on the battlefield is provided with network-centric warfare.
Advanced Pilot Helmet (HMDS): The helmet displays critical flight and tactical information on the helmet glass and allows for eye-tracking.
Powerful Engine: The jet is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine that provides sufficient thrust for high speed and excellent maneuverability.
