Israeli Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Tomer Bar revealed new details about an air operation that, according to the military, delayed an Iranian missile retaliation during the recent conflict. The statement was made during a change-of-command ceremony at the Ramat David Air Base.
Speaking at the event, Gen. Bar said the Israeli Air Force targeted entrances to underground missile bunkers in western Iran, where most of Tehran’s long-range ballistic missile systems were reportedly stored. The operation, conducted in June, was aimed at blocking Iran’s access to its missile arsenal, rather than attempting full-scale destruction of the underground facilities.
“The operation contributed to hindering Iran’s immediate ability to launch a larger-scale attack,” Bar stated. “Your squadron played a decisive role in what became a strategic advantage for the Air Force.”
The comments refer to events on the night of June 13, when sirens sounded across Israel in anticipation of a major Iranian missile strike. According to Israeli officials, Iran’s response was significantly delayed, allowing time for civil defense measures.
During the operation, older F-16 aircraft based at Ramat David were used unexpectedly in a high-risk strike mission. Originally designated for support roles in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, these aircraft were reassigned after Col. A., the outgoing base commander, proposed involving them directly in the Iran operation.
Israeli military intelligence had assessed that Iran’s missile forces were concealed in hardened tunnel complexes built over years in the country’s western region. These sites had appeared in prior propaganda videos released by Iran and Hezbollah, showcasing mobile launch systems stored deep underground.
Rather than attempting to destroy the bunkers entirely, the Air Force opted for precision strikes aimed at sealing the entrances and exits of the tunnels. The method, previously used in Lebanon, relied on angled bomb strikes designed to collapse access points and render the missile systems temporarily inaccessible.
“Integrating the capabilities of the First Wing into Operation ‘Am Ke Lavi’ was a critical element,” Gen. Bar said, referencing the squadron’s role. “What you did — far from here, 1,500 to 2,200 kilometers away — shaped the outcome of the operation.”
In addition to the Iran strike, Bar credited Col. A. for the First Wing’s performance during Operation Iron Swords, the broader Israeli military campaign.
The Israeli military has not publicly disclosed the full scope or aftermath of the operation. Iranian officials have not confirmed any impact on their missile capabilities.
