Iran must strengthen Air Force
Israel lacks capacity for attritional warfare
By Brig. Gen. Hossein Khalili
Former pilot of Iranian Army
The twelve-day war between Iran and Israel came to a halt following a cease-fire agreement. However, the potential for a renewed conflict remains ever-present. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the various dimensions of the recent conflict, addressing weaknesses while reinforcing national strengths.
A review of Israel’s past military engagements reveals a consistent preference for short, rapid wars—avoiding prolonged, attritional conflicts. The war in Gaza, however, should be seen as an exception. Israel’s criminal conduct there has resembled ethnic cleansing more than conventional warfare. Their aim appears to be the complete annihilation of the Gaza Strip and its annexation into Israeli-held territory. They have recognized the strategic importance of Gaza over other parts of occupied Palestine and intend to eliminate any prospect of resistance from taking root there by forcibly displacing the native Palestinian population.
In contrast, the twelve-day war clearly demonstrated that Israel had no intention—nor capability—of engaging in a long-term conflict with Iran. It is not just a matter of unwillingness; the reality is that Israel lacks the structural and demographic capacity to sustain such a war. Iran, by comparison, endured and emerged victorious from an eight-year imposed war against the Ba’athist regime in Iraq—an experience that proved its capacity for endurance.
Israel’s military history shows that it has avoided extended conflicts even in situations where it held a tactical upper hand. This is due to its inherent limitations: the geographical area of Israel is so small that it does not even match the size of Qom Province in Iran. In fact, one can cross the entire breadth of Israel in under an hour by car. Its width ranges from 15 to a maximum of 60 kilometers in different regions, while its length slightly exceeds 100 kilometers.
With such limited space and a relatively small population—largely brought in from abroad with the promise of a better life—Israel lacks the demographic resilience for war. Most Israelis have not migrated to the region with the intention of enduring missile fire or prolonged warfare. Thus, Israel simply does not possess the necessary manpower for sustained military operations.
Its combat capabilities rely heavily on an advanced air force, backed substantially by the United States and Western allies. However, the continuation of Iran’s missile barrages during the recent conflict severely depleted Israel’s air defense systems. Gradually, the Israelis lost their ability to effectively repel the attacks.
Iran must now expand the dispersion of its missile launch capabilities across its territory, making it increasingly difficult for the enemy to locate and destroy its launchers and missile tunnels. Furthermore, Iran must employ varied missile tactics to mislead Israeli defenses. It is not always necessary to launch large volumes of missiles; even a single missile can keep the enemy’s air defense systems engaged and maintain constant psychological pressure.
Israel’s limited geography makes it particularly vulnerable to sustained missile attacks. This vulnerability endangers not only its security but also severely undermines its economy. The financial burden of maintaining a high level of air defense has become a major strain on Israel.
Simultaneously, Iran must prioritize the strengthening of its Air Force. As demonstrated during the twelve-day conflict, and as was already widely acknowledged, air superiority plays a critical role in modern warfare and can determine the outcome of conflicts.
Despite Western hostility and sanctions preventing Iran from acquiring advanced fighter jets, Tehran can pursue partnerships with friendly and powerful nations such as China and Russia to bolster its aerial capabilities.
Equally urgent is the task of identifying and eliminating infiltrators and espionage networks operating in Iranian territory. Some of Israel’s intelligence and operational capabilities during the recent conflict were facilitated by internal agents.
Beyond the military implications, the most significant achievement of the twelve-day war was the unprecedented national unity it fostered in Iranian society. Even opposition groups and individuals traditionally critical of the Establishment voiced support for the Armed Forces’ performance and took stances in line with national interests in the face of the Israeli enemy.
Such solidarity is essential during times of war. National unity and cohesion among political and social groups serve as a powerful force against external threats. The recent war helped reinforce this unity, and it must now be preserved and strengthened as a key asset in the face of future challenges.