Israeli Fighters Fly Over Nasrallah’s Funeral in Lebanon
The use of F-15s and F-35s in the flyover demonstrates Israel’s aerial supremacy in the region.
Israel displayed a massive show of strength this week after four of its top-tier fighter jets conducted a flyover above the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Two F-15I Ra’ams from 69 Squadron and two F-35I Adirs from 104 Squadron flew at low altitude over the terror group’s followers while they were mourning the death of its former leader. As these jets hit Hezbollah-related targets across Lebanon, tens of thousands of funeral-goers listened to Nasrallah’s successor’s pledge to uphold his legacy. In a statement released to the public, Israeli defense minister Israel Katz said the flyover was a direct message to those who threaten Israel: “Israeli Air Force aircraft currently flying over Beirut, over the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, convey a clear message: Whoever threatens to destroy Israel and attack Israel — it will be their end.” The use of F-15s and F-35s in the flyover demonstrates Israel’s aerial supremacy in the region, including even in Lebanon’s most sensitive airspace.
When Nasrallah was killed in a targeted airstrike carried out by the Israeli Air Force back in September, the Iranian-backed group suffered a hefty blow. Hezbollah, in addition to Tehran’s other regional proxy affiliates, exploited Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre against Israel and ramped up hostilities over its shared border last fall. A full-blown conflict followed, representing the largest crisis between Hezbollah and Israel since the 2006 Lebanon War. A ceasefire agreement was brokered this fall, but Israel has insisted on the right to target perceived threats in Lebanon regardless. Nasrallah is linked to a litany of deadly attacks on Israel and Jewish targets and has remained on the Jewish state’s kill list for decades. While the death of the Hezbollah leader certainly stagnated the terror group’s function, Hezbollah is still considered to be the most lethal armed Iranian-backed proxy in the region.
Introducing the Adir
Israel’s specially modified variant of the American-made F-35 Lightning II is considered by many to be the most formidable fifth-generation platform to fly the skies. Customized with advanced homegrown technologies, including one-of-a-kind electronic warfare systems, the “Adir” provides Israel with the air superiority it requires to maintain security surrounded by hostile adversaries. Armament-wise, each Adir is armed with sophisticated air-to-air weapons like the AIM-120D and AIM-9X Sidewinder. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) often deploys its F-35I fleets to take out terror-related targets in Gaza and Lebanon.
Introducing the Ra’am
While Israel’s F-15I variant may be older than the Adir platform, the “Ra’am” is menacing when it comes to long-range strike missions. The F-15Is can also lug a hefty weapons load, including a 20mm internal cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and up to 18,000 pounds of fuel and munitions. Perhaps more important, however, is its extended range. The IAF deploys its F-15I fleets when it needs to reach targets deep within enemy territory. Since their introduction to service, the Ra’ams have seen combat in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.
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