Israeli Air Force (IAF)
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is the primary aerial warfare branch of the IDF, responsible for maintaining air superiority and executing long-range strategic operations. In 2026, the IAF has transitioned to direct kinetic engagement against the Iranian regime and its regional proxies, conducting historic long-range strikes and maintaining intensive pressure on terror infrastructure in Lebanon and Syria.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) serves as the strategic long arm of the State of Israel, providing both a defensive umbrella against aerial threats and a decisive offensive capability. Historically defined by its technological edge and the elite caliber of its personnel, the IAF is currently operating at an unprecedented operational tempo across multiple theaters. In mid-2026, following direct Iranian aggression, the force shifted from its traditional 'campaign between the wars' to direct kinetic action against strategic Iranian assets, including missile arrays and air defense systems in Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz.
In the northern theater, the IAF is the primary instrument for enforcing security red lines. This includes intensive waves of strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the Dahiyeh district of Beirut. These operations target weapon storage facilities, command centers, and launch sites often embedded within civilian areas. In Syria, the IAF continues to operate against Iranian entrenchment and, more recently, has signaled opposition to Turkish military deployment that threatens Israeli freedom of action. Analysts have noted that the deployment of advanced foreign radar systems on Syrian soil represents a 'dangerous' threat to the IAF's ability to monitor and strike long-range targets, including those en route to Iran.
The force's readiness was underscored by the disclosure of a massive strike package prepared against Iran in June 2026. Described as the largest in the history of the force, the armada exceeded the scale of the 'Beresheet' operation, demonstrating a level of prepared force that surpasses previous public estimates. Despite the abortion of that specific mission at the last minute, the IAF remains in a state of high alert, coordinating closely with the Western coalition and the United States Air Force to maintain regional deterrence and ensure Israeli sovereignty.