Israel strikes Iranian fighter jets at Tabriz airbase

The Israel Defense Forces said Israeli Air Force aircraft struck Iranian F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II fighter jets prepared for takeoff at an airbase in Tabriz, western Iran, as part of ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

The strikes were presented by Israeli officials as part of a broader campaign aimed at degrading Iranian air and missile capabilities before they could be employed against Israeli territory.

In a statement published on social media, the Israel Defense Forces said: “Air Force aircraft struck two fighter jets ready for takeoff of the F-5 and F-4 types belonging to the Iranian terrorist regime at an airport in Tabriz in western Iran.” The military added that the strike “was carried out in order to harm the activity of the Iranian Air Force and to deepen the damage to the regime’s defense systems.”

According to the Israeli military, the operation formed part of continued attacks against Iranian regime infrastructure intended “to damage the regime and thwart threats to the home front of the State of Israel.” The statement did not specify the exact timing of the strike beyond describing it as having occurred shortly before the announcement.

Israeli officials did not provide details regarding the operational status of the aircraft beyond stating they were prepared for takeoff. Independent confirmation of whether the F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II jets were fully operational, undergoing maintenance, or positioned as decoys was not immediately available.

The reported targets represent some of the oldest combat aircraft still operated by Iran. The Islamic Republic continues to field U.S.-manufactured F-4 Phantom II fighters acquired prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, alongside F-5 Tiger II aircraft that have undergone local modernization programs to extend service life.

In practical military terms, striking aircraft on the ground can reduce sortie generation capability without requiring air-to-air engagement. Destroying aircraft before takeoff removes potential strike platforms while also limiting pilot availability and maintenance infrastructure tied to operational squadrons.

The Israeli military also reported conducting strikes against ballistic missile launchers and radar installations during the same operational cycle. Targeting radar systems and air defense nodes typically forms an early phase of air campaigns, allowing attacking aircraft greater freedom of action in contested airspace.

Earlier Iranian state media released footage indicating plans to employ F-4 Phantom aircraft in potential strikes against U.S. bases in the region. Israeli officials did not directly reference those statements but emphasized that operations were intended to prevent threats before execution.