The Air Force reported that pilots sent on the first day of Iran’s operation recommended giving up excess ammunition on Gaza targets.
In Operation Rising Lion, IAF pilots recommended the use of excess ammunition from the strike against Iranian targets against Gaza, which provided significant assistance to IDF ground forces operating on the enclave at the time.
IAF sources said pilots dispatched on the first day of Iran’s operation performed a mission to defend Israel’s skies, intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran to Israel and the air to Israel were increased on its aircraft.
Each aircraft is required to perform reconnaissance missions within a pre-specified period. After completing the mission, some pilots turned to the Gaza combat control room and suggested that the remaining ammunition be placed on the targets in Gaza to assist ground forces in the northern Gaza Strip and Khan Yunis region for manipulation.
Major. Tomer Bar welcomes this suggestion
Pilot’s advice is welcome, and within a few hours, this becomes routine. Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar heard about the initiative and directed it to be extended to all squadrons and to use it as a protocol.
As a result of this decision, the Air Force was able to strengthen strike waves in Gaza without adding other force structures. IDF said Gaza was attacked by powerful air raids during the 12-day battle in Iran.
The IAF fighter aircraft took off and intercepted the drone launched from Iran on June 13, 2025.
Every day, during the sky defense mission, dozens of fighter jets flew over Gaza on the way to land and threw hundreds of ammunition at Hamas targets according to the instructions of ground forces.
IAF officials explained that pilot initiatives significantly improved the effectiveness of the Air Force in various combat scenarios.
“In addition to the huge strike range, this move has allowed the Air Force to better leverage its power. Rather than climbing up the plane from the ground to conduct a strike, aircraft that have already performed missions in the air, saving a lot of resources and increasing the capabilities of the Air Force,” explained the Weapons Officer.
