WATCH: IDF Conducts 600+ Mid-Air Refuelings Over Iran Since Launch of Operation Rising Lion
Israel’s Air Force has conducted over 600 mid-air refueling operations to sustain combat missions deep in Iranian territory during Operation Rising Lion. The Desert Giants Squadron’s efforts ensure continuous aerial superiority, enabling relentless strikes against Iran’s military targets.
Since the onset of Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, Israel’s Air Force (IAF) has executed over 600 mid-air refuelling missions to sustain its relentless airstrikes deep inside Iran. The IAF’s “Desert Giants” Squadron, operating refueling aircraft, has been pivotal in maintaining constant aerial presence over enemy territory, as showcased in recent IDF footage released today. These refueling operations, conducted across Middle Eastern skies, enable fighter jets to strike Iranian military targets without returning to base, ensuring Israel’s air superiority in the ongoing conflict.
The footage highlights the precision and coordination of the Desert Giants Squadron, whose tankers have supported dozens of combat sorties targeting Iran’s missile facilities, air defenses, and command centers. The vast distance to Iran, over 1,000 miles from Israel, makes mid-air refueling critical, allowing jets like the F-35 and F-16 to extend their range and loiter time. Each refueling mission involves complex choreography at high altitudes, often under the threat of Iranian anti-aircraft systems, yet the squadron has achieved “flawless coordination,” according to an IAF statement.
The Desert Giants’ efforts have underpinned Operation Rising Lion’s success, which has seen the destruction of 70 Iranian air defense batteries and over 120 missile launchers. By enabling continuous strikes, the IAF has disrupted Iran’s ability to retaliate effectively, with only 20 of 400 ballistic missiles hitting Israeli built-up areas. The IDF emphasized, “Mid-air refueling is an essential component of our operations in Iran, ensuring air superiority.” As the conflict escalates, the IAF vows to continue these missions to protect Israeli citizens, with the Desert Giants Squadron remaining the backbone of Israel’s long-reach aerial campaign.
