Fifth-generation F-35I Adir fighters of the Israeli Air Force participated in the recent offensive against Houthi infrastructure in Yemen. The raid also included F-16I Sufa fighter-bombers, F-15A Baz, and KC-707 Re’em refueling aircraft, among other supporting assets.
According to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) authorities, the F-35I Adir and other combat aircraft were part of a proactive step taken by the Israeli government “…in its actions of self-defense against these attacks (referring to the Tel Aviv incident). The Israeli Air Force conducted precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. The military targets included the port of Al Hudayda, used by the Houthis as their primary supply route for the transfer of Iranian weaponry…”
The operation, named “Long Arm,” focused its actions on the port city of Al Hudayda, where the Israeli Air Force “…targeted dual-use infrastructure used for terrorist activities, including energy infrastructure. Israel’s necessary and proportionate strikes were executed to halt Houthi attacks,” detailed IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Images and sequences released by the Israeli Air Force and IDF show that “Long Arm” involved fifth-generation F-35I Adir fighters from the 140 Squadron “Golden Eagle,” F-15A Baz fighter-bombers from the 133 Squadron “Knights of the Twin Tail,” unidentified F-16I Sufa aircraft, and KC-707 refueling aircraft from the 120 Squadron “Desert Giants.”
Though not officially disclosed, videos disseminated by the IDF on social media indicate that guided weaponry, possibly air-launched Delilah cruise missiles or SPICE guided bombs, were used for targeting Houthi infrastructure. The footage shows multiple impacts aimed at ensuring complete destruction of the targets.
Regarding the F-35I Adir, only air-to-air BVR AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles were observed, similar to those seen on the F-16I Sufa. Both models have the capability to operate air-to-surface weaponry, but specifics of their configurations for the “Long Arm” operation have not been disclosed.
This recent Israeli Air Force offensive was in response to a drone attack by Houthi forces, during which a drone breached IDF defenses, impacting Tel Aviv and resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
Since Israel initiated its Gaza counteroffensive after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Houthis have launched over 150 drones and 50 ballistic and cruise missiles toward Israeli territory. No fatalities occurred in Israel during these attacks, as the drones and missiles were intercepted by local forces or allied nations.
Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: IAF
You may also like: After nearly 40 years of service, the Israeli Air Force retired its F-16C Barak-1 fighter jets
