By SCALE UB news team : 17/06/2025

News summary:

Israel’s Defense Forces have released video surveillance showing airstrikes targeting two Iranian F‑14 Tomcats at Tehran airport and claiming to thwart a UAV launch team preparing drone attacks. Iran, however, insists the jets were mere mock-ups. The strikes are part of escalating hostilities that have seen widespread drone and missile exchanges across both nations. indiatoday.in+5ndtv.com+5hindustantimes.com+5

Detail news:

In a dramatic escalation of the Israel‑Iran conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released footage showing precision strikes on two Iranian F‑14 Tomcat jets parked at Tehran’s airport, accompanied by a preemptive strike on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch cell—effectively halting an imminent drone assault.

What the IDF Claims

• The released video chronicles an Israeli drone strike that destroyed two F‑14s stationed near runways in Tehran, which were allegedly intended to intercept Israeli air missions. hindustantimes.com+2indiatoday.in+2ndtv.com+2

• IDF reports also show the elimination of a UAV team minutes before it could launch drones toward Israeli territory. hindustantimes.com+15ndtv.com+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15

Iran’s Denial

• Tehran’s state media counters that the destroyed F‑14s were non‑operational mock-ups, not active fighter jets. reuters.com+8ndtv.com+8nypost.com+8

• Despite the denial, global imagery and the U.S.-made F‑14’s iconic status have fueled debate on whether Iran still operates any airworthy Tomcats. indiatoday.in

Context of the Conflict

These strikes form part of “Operation Rising Lion,” Israel’s expansive campaign against Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure that began mid-June. Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities. reuters.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4theguardian.com+4

The F‑14 Tomcat, retired from U.S. service in 2006, remains a rare legacy aircraft. Estimates suggest Iran retains up to 40 airframes, though operational readiness is disputed. theaviationist.com+1ndtv.com+1

The Power of Visual Proof

Israel’s public release of drone strike footage signals a tactical shift toward transparency and psychological pressure. The visuals aim to underscore precision targeting and bolster domestic and international legitimacy.

Broader Implications

• Military escalation: Continued drone and air campaigns escalate regional tensions and risk broader warfare.

• Symbolic messaging: Striking iconic U.S.-made F‑14s—Iranians’ only foreign-built jets—delivers a psychological blow.

• Evolving warfare: The IDF’s focus on drone launch sites and UAV threats signals Iran’s growing embrace of unmanned systems and Israel’s need to counter them. indiatoday.in+2ndtv.com+2nypost.com+2