Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) is actively preparing for a potential multi-arena war. Through recent exercises and strategic planning, the IAF aims to address the security challenges faced by Israel in the 21st century. With Iran seeking to surround Israel with a ring of fire and establish missile bases in civilian areas, the IAF is focused on countering these threats effectively.
The IAF played a significant role in the recently concluded two-week war exercise called Firm Hand. This exercise simulated a multi-arena war, starting with Hezbollah and Lebanon and extending to other locations, including Iran. The participation of the IAF in such exercises highlights its importance as Israel’s strategic arm.
In a notable development, the IAF deployed its F-16 fighter aircraft to Cyprus for the first time as part of the Blue Sun exercise in May. This exercise simulated a war scenario with Hezbollah in Lebanon and involved various other assets, including intelligence-gathering jets, transport helicopters, gunships, and special forces on the ground. Such exercises sharpen the IAF’s readiness to handle multiple threats simultaneously.
The IAF is set to bolster its capabilities further with an influx of F-35 fifth-generation jets. By 2024, the IAF aims to have two full squadrons of these advanced aircraft, with a third squadron expected in the coming years. This enhanced airpower will enable the IAF to tackle the security challenges posed by the Iranian-led axis effectively.
Former IAF commander Maj.-Gen. Eitan Ben-Eliyahu emphasizes the IAF’s versatility in adjusting its force and operations to respond to different missions and potential arenas. The IAF pilots undergo training to prepare for various scenarios while prioritizing the conditions and demands of each situation.
IDF Brig Gen. (res) Professor Jacob Nagel, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlights the crucial role of the IAF alongside intelligence in preparing for a potential multi-front war. He underscores the IAF’s historical role in deterrence and decisive victory, as well as its current responsibility of defending national borders until reserves are mobilized.
The revised defense doctrine formulated by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that the IDF will strike those who strike Israel and target those behind such attacks, including Iran. Nagel observes that Iran is aggressively pushing for a multi-arena conflict. This situation necessitates the involvement of not just the IAF, but also various other entities like intelligence, cyber, precise missiles, and special forces.
While ground forces will play an essential role in a multi-arena war, Nagel emphasizes the importance of building versatile multi-domain ground forces that can operate effectively in different arenas and counter evolving threats. The nature of future ground forces needs to account for factors such as deceptively empty battlefields, robotic enemy forces, long-range and raid-based weapons, and strikes in the enemy’s depth.
Ben-Eliyahu highlights the IAF’s collaboration with friendly air forces and the significant contribution of F-35s, which collect vast amounts of data and provide pilots with a comprehensive view of entire theaters. The IAF’s superior defense technologies and doctrine for functioning under conditions of limited aerial superiority enable it to navigate areas plagued with anti-aircraft systems.
Nagel envisions a future where a significant portion of the IAF’s fleet becomes unmanned, with two-thirds being unmanned aircraft and a third manned. However, he clarifies that manned aircraft will remain in the coming generation. The Israeli Navy’s special naval forces will also have a crucial role to play, particularly in moving ground forces deep into enemy territory.
As tensions persist in the Middle East, the Israeli Air Force remains at the forefront of Israel’s defense strategy. Through its readiness, strategic planning, and collaboration with other forces, the IAF aims to effectively counter threats posed by the Iranian-led axis and ensure the security of Israel.
