Israel Dominates Iran’s Airspace Something Russia Has Yet to Do in Ukraine

Israel's Air Superiority Over Iran A Strategic Triumph In June 2025, Israel achieved a significant military milestone by gaining control over Iran's airspace within 48 hours of initiating Operation Rising Lion.  This rapid success stands in stark contrast to Russia's ongoing challenges in establishing air dominance over Ukraine since its invasion in 2022.  Israel's ability to swiftly neutralize Iranian air defenses underscores the critical role of air superiority in modern warfare.  The Strategic Execution of Operation Rising Lion The Israeli Air Force (IAF) deployed over 200 aircraft, including advanced F-35I Adir stealth fighters, F-15I Ra'am ground-attack jets, and F-16I Sufa air-defense aircraft, to execute a series of precision strikes across Iran.  These operations targeted key military and nuclear sites, such as the Natanz and Fordow enrichment facilities, missile development locations in Bid Kaneh, and infrastructure in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kermanshah.  The strikes resulted in significant damage to Iran's missile systems and the assassination of high-ranking military and nuclear officials, including IRGC Commander Gen Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri.  Additionally, nine senior nuclear scientists were killed, and civilian casualties were reported in Tehran's Farahzad area.   Factors Contributing to Israel's Success Several factors contributed to Israel's rapid achievement of air superiority over Iran Advanced Air Capabilities The IAF's fleet of F-35I Adir stealth fighters, modified with conformal fuel tanks for extended range, played a pivotal role in executing long-range strikes without the need for mid-air refueling.   Superior Intelligence and Training Israel's integration of advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, coupled with extensive pilot training, enabled precise targeting and effective neutralization of Iranian defenses.  Covert Operations Mossad's clandestine sabotage missions, including the establishment of a covert drone base within Iran, disrupted Iranian missile launchers and air defense systems, paving the way for subsequent airstrikes.   Iran's Vulnerabilities Iran's outdated and inadequate air defense network, exemplified by systems like the Bavar-373, and strategic miscalculations contributed to its inability to effectively counter Israeli operations.   

Comparative Analysis Israel vs. Russia in Ukraine In contrast, Russia's efforts to establish air superiority over Ukraine have been met with prolonged challenges.  Despite possessing advanced aircraft and air defense systems, Russia has struggled to dominate Ukrainian airspace due to factors such as  Resilient Ukrainian Defenses Ukraine's effective use of Soviet-era air defense systems, early dispersal of assets, and integration of Western-supplied equipment have enabled it to resist Russian aerial advances.  Operational Challenges Russia's logistical difficulties, extended supply lines, and the need to contend with Ukrainian countermeasures have hindered its air operations.  International Support for Ukraine Continued Western assistance, including the provision of advanced air defense systems and training, has bolstered Ukraine's ability to maintain control over its airspace.  Israel's swift and decisive actions in gaining air superiority over Iran highlight the importance of advanced technology, strategic planning, and intelligence integration in modern warfare.  While Russia continues to face challenges in achieving similar success in Ukraine, Israel's operations serve as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated military efforts in securing air dominance.