Israeli Air Force conducts major refueling drill amid tensions with Iran

The Israeli Air Force has executed a significant aerial refueling exercise involving F-35 and F-15 fighters, along with a Boeing 707 tanker, amidst escalating tensions with Iran.

This exercise follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, in Tehran on July 31, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During the drill, the Boeing 707 tanker showcased its advanced refueling capabilities, transferring a total of 41,500 pounds of fuel—18,500 pounds to the F-35 and 23,000 pounds to the F-15—over approximately 17 minutes.

This exercise demonstrated the tanker’s efficiency and the strategic advantage of air refueling, allowing fighter jets to extend their operational range and effectiveness.

The operation underscores the critical role of air tankers in modern combat, as they enable extended flight durations for fighter jets, essential for long-range missions.

The successful refueling operation highlights the interoperability within the US Air Force’s fleet and the importance of aerial refueling for maintaining operational capabilities during high-stakes missions.

In response to rising tensions and potential retaliation threats from Iran, Israel has been ramping up military exercises. These drills serve as a show of force intended to deter possible counterattacks.

 According to an Israeli Air Force spokesperson, aerial refueling is vital for extended airborne operations, especially when preparing for significant air strikes.

The operational range of Israeli F-35 and F-15 fighters generally requires at least one refueling for a round-trip mission to Iran. Factors such as mission specifics and payload can affect the exact need for refuelings, but one is typically sufficient for successful operations.

Currently, Israel’s fighter fleet includes short-range F-16s and older F-15 models, with two elite units of modern F-35s and plans to expand this fleet. The F-15I, an upgraded version of the American F-15E, offers longer range but has somewhat outdated avionics.

In contrast, Iran's fighter fleet comprises outdated F-4 and F-5 aircraft, though it boasts a sophisticated ground-based air defense network. Iran has ordered 24 Su-35 fighters from Russia, potentially increasing this number to 64.

The Su-35’s advanced avionics and integration with ground defenses are expected to complicate any potential Israeli air strikes, despite the current uncertainty regarding the arrival and operational status of these fighters.