The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say they have eliminated more than 70 Iranian air defense batteries in a series of coordinated airstrikes intended to dismantle Tehran’s aerial shield and open the skies for deeper operations.
According to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), fighter jets executed five major attack waves over recent days, focusing on neutralizing Iran’s surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.
“The purpose of the strikes was to degrade Iranian air defense capabilities while securing full air superiority for the IAF,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
The Israeli campaign appears to be unfolding in broad daylight, with footage released by the IAF showing direct hits on launchers and radar installations across central Iran. One of the videos shows the destruction of what appears to be a Sevom Khordad air defense system, including its crew, according to the footage description.
עד כה הושמדו יותר מ-70 סוללות טילי הגנה אווירית של איראן.
בימים האחרונים, מטוסי הקרב ביצעו כחמישה גלי תקיפה, שתכליתם פגיעה ביכולת ההגנה האווירית של איראן, תוך יצירת עליונות אווירית לחיל-האוויר. כך נסללה הדרך לטהראן וליעדים נוספים בעומק איראן. pic.twitter.com/Xraf5TERuK— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 17, 2025
“This aerial campaign has paved the way for further deep-penetration missions against regime targets, including sites in Tehran,” the IDF said.
במקביל, כלי טיס מאוישים מרחוק, מאתרים ומשמידים משגרים ומכ״מים בשטח. pic.twitter.com/i0B3YiR1Iy
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 17, 2025
The Israeli Air Force used a combination of manned fighter jets and remotely piloted aircraft to carry out the attacks. These assets reportedly identified and struck active air defense components, including missile launchers, radar vehicles, and command centers. In several cases, the strikes came just moments after radar systems were powered up.
In parallel, IDF officials said the airstrikes were calibrated to minimize civilian harm, targeting exclusively military infrastructure.
“We are hitting regime assets — not civilians. Iran, in contrast, deliberately targets civilian populations,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said during a visit to Tel Nof Air Base.
מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר השלימו לפני זמן קצר גל תקיפות במערב איראן, בו הותקפו מספר אתרים ועשרות משגרי טילי קרקע-קרקע. pic.twitter.com/vwNHlVnAGZ
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 17, 2025
Israel’s emphasis on neutralizing Iranian air defenses is part of its broader strategy to maintain freedom of operation over hostile territory. Military analysts note that with air defense systems suppressed, Israel can extend its reach to key military and command centers across Iran.
The current escalation comes as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its second week, with both sides trading missile attacks and drone strikes.
The IDF has not disclosed how many aircraft were involved in the sorties, but previous operations have included large packages of F-15 and F-35 fighter jets operating in coordination with Hermes remotely piloted aircraft and electronic warfare platforms.
Israeli military officials say operations will continue until Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders is sufficiently degraded.