Israel just launched a massive air assault on Iranian targets. Iran has responded with a wave of missiles and drones aimed at Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. As both sides escalate, here is a look at the military tools each nation is leaning on, and what those systems can actually do. 

Israel’s Air Force: High-Tech, Precise, and Ready 

Israel’s air force is one of the most advanced in the world. It has about 330 American-designed fighter jets, including the F-15I “Ra’am” for long-range strikes, the F-16I “Sufa” for flexible operations, and the cutting-edge F-35I “Adir”— a stealth fighter built to evade radar and hit targets deep inside enemy territory. 

These aircraft are backed by an extensive fleet of drones, including the Heron TP and Hermes 900. These unmanned systems are used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Israel is a global leader in drone technology, exporting systems around the world. 

In the most recent operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”, Israel deployed over 200 aircraft to hit more than 100 Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, military bases and senior military leaders. These planes used satellite-guided bombs, including “bunker busters,” designed to penetrate hardened underground sites.  

The attack was enabled by months of covert operations from Mossad, which smuggled weapons into Iran and sabotaged air defense systems ahead of the strike. Mossad agents also carried out targeted assassinations of key Iranian commanders and scientists in their homes just before the air assault began. 

Israel’s Missile Defense: Layered and Lethal 

Israel’s defense against incoming rockets and missiles relies on a three-tier system: 

  • Iron Dome: Targets short-range rockets and artillery shells. Designed to protect cities from frequent attacks by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. 
  • David’s Sling: Covers the mid-range threat, intercepting larger rockets and cruise missiles that travel hundreds of miles. 
  • Arrow 2 and 3: Built to stop long-range ballistic missiles, including those that travel at high altitudes and could carry nuclear warheads. 

Together, these systems give Israel one of the most robust missile defenses in the world. As Iran has launched retaliatory strikes, they have intercepted the vast majority of incoming threats. 

Iran’s Arsenal: Missiles, Drones, and Mass Attacks 

In contrast to Israel, Iran does not have a modern air force. 

Instead, Tehran has invested in stockpiling thousands of ballistic missiles that can strike targets up to 2,000 kilometers away. These missiles vary in size and accuracy, but Iran relies on launching them in large numbers to overwhelm defenses. 

Iran also has a growing fleet of drones. The Shahed-136, for example, is a so-called “kamikaze drone” that loiters over an area before diving into a target. These drones are cheap, hard to detect, and have already been used in Ukraine and against Gulf states. The Mohajer-10 is a more advanced drone with longer range and better payload capacity. 

Iran’s air defenses include Russian-built S-300 systems and domestically produced Bavar-373 launchers. But these are not as effective against stealth jets or coordinated air campaigns like Israel’s. 

What to Watch For 

Israel will keep using its stealth jets, drones, and guided munitions to strike critical Iranian sites. Iran will likely continue to respond with waves of missiles and drones aimed at cities and military bases, and could try to activate proxy forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon to open new fronts. 

This is a clash between precision and saturation. Israel is betting on technology and accuracy. Iran is betting on numbers and chaos. The outcome could shape not just the region, but the future of modern warfare.