In a bold display of military might, Israel conducted a flyover during the funeral of Hezbollah’s deceased leader, Hassan Nasralá, in Beirut, Lebanon. This unconventional show of force featured two F-35i fighters and two F-15Is, aiming to send a clear warning to the Iran-backed group and its tens of thousands of supporters.
The flight took place at a low altitude over southern Beirut, serving as a reminder of Israel’s aerial dominance in the region. This demonstration of power comes after Israel’s attacks on Syria’s air defense capabilities, which have largely retreated, leaving Syrian territory. Russian aerial defenses in Syria, once extensive, have also pulled back significantly.
Recent Air Attacks
The flyover occurred amidst multiple air attacks carried out by Israel against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. According to Israel’s Defense Minister, the Israeli Air Force planes that flew over Beirut had a straightforward message: “Anyone who threatens to destroy Israel and attack it will meet its end.” The Minister added, “You focus on funerals, we focus on victories.”
Nasralá’s death resulted from an Israeli Air Force attack on an underground bunker and command center beneath a residential area in southern Beirut. The attack utilized dozens of JDAM missiles with BLU-109/B penetrators to destroy the underground installation.
Israeli Air Force Capabilities
As of 2022, the Israeli Air Force operates a total of 71 F-15 aircraft. Furthermore, in November 2024, the Israeli government signed a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to acquire 25 next-generation F-15 fighters, with an option to purchase an additional 25. Deliveries of these new aircraft are set to begin in 2031, at a rate of 4 to 6 units per year.
Interestingly, the F-15, including F-15C, F-15D, and F-15EX models, has registered higher mission capacity rates than the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters, according to a report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). This outcome reflects the air force’s strategy to retire older aircraft and reduce maintenance burdens.