Media: Israel’s Doha strike cost estimated at $11 million in precision airpower

In an unprecedented military maneuver, Israel has launched its first-ever airstrike on Qatari soil, targeting senior Hamas leaders in the capital, Doha. The precision strike, executed on September 9, marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s regional operations and has stirred international outrage. With an estimated price tag of up to $11 million, the mission stands out not only for its geopolitical implications but also for its extraordinary logistical and financial scale.

An article by ICE claims that the operation involved approximately ten Israeli Air Force fighter jets flying over 1,800 kilometres each way. The aircraft, believed to be a combination of F-15s and F-35s, launched more than ten precision-guided munitions at the target, with all bombs reportedly striking within seconds of one another. The mission also included several in-flight refueling operations, as well as intelligence support from UAVs that assisted with real-time reconnaissance and strike confirmation.

While the Israeli government has not publicly disclosed operational specifics, estimates suggest that the cost of the strike ranges between 30 to 40 million shekels (approximately $8–11 million USD), factoring in ordnance, fuel, aircraft operation, logistics, and support.

The munitions deployed in the attack are believed to be high-precision “smart” bombs, far more costly than conventional weaponry. Analysts estimate that at least twelve such bombs were used in the strike, placing the cost of ordnance alone between $5 to $10 million.

The mission’s long duration—estimated at 5 to 6 hours per aircraft—also incurred substantial flight operation costs. The hourly expense of operating advanced fighter jets like the F-15 or F-35 ranges from $30,000 to $60,000, bringing the overall flight cost to over $1 million, excluding maintenance and wear.

Due to the exceptional range of the operation, multiple aerial refueling missions were necessary. Each fighter jet likely consumed 8 to 10 tons of jet fuel, while tanker aircraft—believed to be modified Boeing 707 “Ram” platforms—accompanied the strike group. Fuel alone is estimated to have cost approximately $100,000, but total refueling operations would have been significantly higher when including aircraft deployment, fuel transfer systems, and crew expenses.

Given the complexity and reach of the strike, experts consider this one of Israel’s most logistically challenging single missions in recent memory—comparable only to previous long-range strikes in Iran, which have been estimated at over 240 million shekels ($72 million) per night during high-intensity operations.

Beyond its financial implications, the strike has provoked a wave of international concern. Qatar has condemned the attack as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty, while some regional actors have hinted at the possibility of retaliation. Analysts also warn that such operations carry not just military and financial costs, but significant diplomatic and strategic risks, particularly if future responses escalate across the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva