High technological ability was required to enable the aging aircraft to travel up to 2,200 kilometers.
By Hezy Laing
Israeli F-16 “Barak” fighter jets recently carried out airstrikes against targets inside Iran, traveling distances up to 2,200 kilometers from Israel without the need for aerial refueling—an achievement seen as extraordinary for aircraft of their age and design.
This was publicly confirmed by Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar after Operation Rising Lion, crediting the initiative, precise calculations, and professionalism of the Barak Squadron for making the mission possible.
The mission utilized 30- to 40-year-old F-16 Barak jets, which had previously been considered suitable only for shorter-range theaters like Lebanon and Gaza.
Squadron commanders re-evaluated the jets’ fuel endurance, demonstrating their ability to reach Iranian targets and return at a high operational tempo without pauses for refueling.
Resourceful planning and pilot expertise were cited as the decisive factors in achieving the mission’s fuel management and operational success.
The feat exemplifies Israel’s capacity to adapt older platforms for strategic reach, maintaining operational flexibility despite perceived technological limitations.
Analysts see this as a demonstration of Israel’s technological ingenuity and military readiness, contributing to deterrence against adversaries like Iran as both sides expand their drone and missile programs.
The operation reportedly targeted critical Iranian assets, including nuclear and missile infrastructure, though official sources did not specify the precise damage.
Israeli F-16s successfully conducted long-range strikes in Iran without refueling, underscoring the air force’s tactical adaptability and the effectiveness of careful fuel management and mission planning.
