Posted on 10/15/24
| News Source: JPost
Over recent decades, Israel's defense establishment has invested billions in preparing for a potential strike on Iran, developing specialized munitions along the way. Some of these capabilities were only revealed after being sold to foreign air forces. Here’s what can be disclosed amidst these preparations.
Last month, Israel conducted another strike in Yemen, deploying F-15 jets from a base 1,800 kilometers away, showcasing its renowned improvisation skills. These aircraft, initially designed for air combat, were modified in Israel for strike missions. The Israeli Air Force also equipped them to carry modern munitions from both American and Israeli manufacturers.
However, an attack on Iran presents a far more complex challenge, despite the similar distance.
Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic missile bases are deeply embedded underground, in contrast to less-protected targets like oil terminals. Additionally, Iran operates an advanced air defense system, primarily domestically developed. According to their claims, yet to be tested, this system matches the capabilities of Russian systems like the S-300, which can intercept missiles launched by Israel. However, the Israeli-attributed strike on Isfahan after Iran's April attack was not intercepted by these advanced defenses. Iran also maintains an outdated fleet, including Russian MiG-29s and American F-14s from the Shah’s era, which continue to operate despite international sanctions.
In light of these challenges, Israel's defense forces have spent 20 years preparing for a possible strike on Iran, investing billions of dollars and shekels. This investment includes developing specialized munitions, some of which even the U.S. declined to sell to Israel, as well as innovations not available to the U.S.
Strikes at a range of about 2,000 kilometers are typically carried out by American and Russian forces using cruise missiles and bombers. Israel, however, has allocated significant portions of its U.S. aid to acquiring fighter jets capable of flying two hours each way—ranging from the advanced F-15I squadron to four F-16I Sufa squadrons.
Lockheed Martin developed conformal fuel tanks specifically for these jets, enhancing their range without significantly affecting aerodynamics or radar signature.
Foreign reports indicate that Israel has developed detachable fuel tanks for F-35 jets, enabling them to reach Iran while maintaining stealth capabilities. Without these, their range is insufficient, and standard under-wing tanks compromise much of their stealth.
In the late 2000s, Israel's defense industries unveiled two long-range attack missiles launched from fighter jets. While details like their precise range remain unclear, it's known that they have a range of hundreds of kilometers, allowing strikes from outside the range of Iranian defenses. These missiles travel at supersonic speeds, reducing enemy alert times and complicating interception efforts, increasing their chances of hitting the target.
The Rampage, developed in a collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems, is based on Elbit’s EXTRA rocket. Initially designed for ground launch, the Rampage was adapted for air deployment, gaining increased range and speed when launched from jets. It features multiple navigation systems, providing redundancy for accurate targeting.