The 388th Fighter Wing and Midnight Hammer

[Zaphod58]

On June 22nd 2025, a group of B-2s flying from Whiteman AFB entered Iran, and bombed the Iranian nuclear facilities. For the first time, we're finding out details of the strike, including about the Hill AFB F-35s from the 388th Fighter Wing that escorted the B-2s on the strike mission. Aircraft from the 34th Fighter Squadron were the first to cross the border into Iran, and performed the SEAD mission. The 34th flew several hundred miles into Iran, hitting multiple surface to air missile sites ahead of the B-2s, while also using their sensor fusion and data sharing to identify potential threats, and keep the B-2s clear of any SAM locations.

The F-35s remained in Iranian airspace until after the B-2s were clear of the area, and safely out of the airspace. According to Lt Col Aaron Osborne, 34th Fighter Squadron commanding officer, the Iranians were trying to target them with high end systems, and were unable to. He said "It was really cool to see the jet do exactly what it was designed to do". 

The 34th Fighter Squadron also participated in Operation Rough Rider, which targeted Houthi capabilities, and included the first air to air kill for the F-35. Operation Rough Rider was the first time in 20 years an aircraft was shot at performing the Wild Weasel mission. The 34th started the deployment with a short notice departure from Hill AFB, and within 24 hours of arriving in theater, as the 34th Expeditionary Squadron, they were carrying out missions against the Houthis in Yemen.

https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/News/Articl...o-centcom/

https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/News/Articl...er-strike/

[Sky727]

Good to see something military actually work as advertised ! 

[Blackfingers]

First in,last out..Good to see the hard work is coming together.

[Avicula]

But…but… But Boondoggle! The F-35 is already obsolete because…because SU-57 and J-20 and F-47! Just because everyone who knows anything about functional, low observable airplanes wants to buy as many F-35s as their budget will allow doesn’t mean that stealth and, by extension the F-35, isn’t useless… right? 

I absolutely LOVE the fact that these supposed wastes of time and money are doing what they do SO well that the only reason we know that they were even there and played a major role in the outcome of strikes in Iran is because months after the fact, someone with the authority to do so decided to tell us. 

If that is the end result of a bondoggle, I would like to sign up now to participate in the next one please and thank you.

[Blackfingers]

Israel has led the charge and has probably more combat hours in the F35 than the US.
Can remember reading from the Israel side that it could pick up every Mobile phone call in the middle east if it wanted to.

[Avicula]

I suspect that along with the money that comes with military hardware sales to Israel, one reason the US is so keen on putting our stuff in their hands is that we know it will likely get a proper trial in actual combat with them long before it will with us…and that gives us a golden opportunity to work out any kinks and improve the stuff.

[Blackfingers]

Knowing the Israelis they most probably pulled one completely apart to study it and come up with improvements.

[Zaphod58]

Knowing the Israelis they most probably pulled one completely apart to study it and come up with improvements.

They're the only export customer with access to the code, and their own testing unit that has at least one F-35 in it, possibly more.

[Blackfingers]

Most likely coded their whole defense to play with them as well.

[Avicula]

They're the only export customer with access to the code, and their own testing unit that has at least one F-35 in it, possibly more.

I have heard and read the argument being made that the Adir (Israeli F-35) is actually so different from any others currently flying that the could very easily qualify as a unique fourth type (F-35A, -35B, -35C, and 35I).