The Israeli military's extreme photographer, Sergeant First Class O, documented Israeli Air Force fighter jets in the most dramatic moments of Operation Rising Lion, as well as the ground crews who worked around the clock. At takeoff, on the return from yet another sortie, and every step in between, here is a rare glimpse.
That melody. Two pilots on their way to another sortie over Iran.
Pressurized. Takeoff from Nevatim Air Force Base for a sortie over Iran aboard a refueling aircraft at first light. View from inside the cockpit.
Guardian on deck. A loadmaster from Squadron 120 inspects equipment and munitions loaded onto the aircraft, while maintaining order, safety and efficiency throughout the sensitive process.
Heavenly escort. An F-35I Adir fighter jet on its way to Iran, seen from a rare and unusual angle, from inside the refueling aircraft accompanying it on the long mission.
The commander's spirit. Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar shakes the hand of the technician who prepared his aircraft before a sortie over Iran.
Call support. One of the soldiers from the technical branch, whose personnel work behind the scenes to ensure the aircraft and systems remain mission-ready. The branch is a quiet but essential pillar of every operational mission.
Life-saving coordination. Air traffic controllers at Nevatim Air Force Base manage the complex synchronization of flights to and from Iranian airspace under dynamic, demanding and sensitive operational conditions.
Tel Nof. A spectacular sunrise over Iraqi skies seen from a refueling aircraft. A rare, quiet and pastoral moment amid a tense and challenging operational reality.
The jet stream. An F-15I Raam fighter jet takes off at dusk for a planned strike in Iran, as the air swirls around it with a sense of tension and alertness.
Quality control. The cockpit crew of a refueling aircraft en route to Iran, with advanced navigation, communication and control systems.
Might among the mighty. A tight and coordinated formation of F-35I Adir fighter jets makes its way over enemy territory en route to a strike in Iran.
Sortie from the shadows. An F-35I Adir fighter jet from Squadron 116 on the runway moments before takeoff.
Euphrates sights. A harmonious and powerful formation of F-16I Sufa fighter jets on its way to another strike. Below them, the course of the Euphrates River can be seen.
Superiority in all conditions | A message from the commander of the Israeli Air Force
Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of commanding the Israeli Air Force. It is a cohesive and professional force whose true strength comes first and foremost from its people, in both regular and reserve service, from every part of Israeli society, all carrying this heavy responsibility together.
The State of Israel is in the midst of the longest and most complex war in its history, during which the Israeli Air Force has operated in seven arenas simultaneously, accumulating hundreds of thousands of flight hours and carrying out thousands of operational missions in places both near and far.
All this has been done in close cooperation with the ground and naval forces, while fulfilling our central mission: achieving aerial superiority and providing a protective envelope of firepower, support and rescue in every arena and under all conditions.
I am proud to command a force that acts with such a deep sense of mission, determination, courage, creativity and imagination, proving time and again how vital it is to the national security of the State of Israel.
Above all, there is an extraordinary human spirit among the tens of thousands of servicemen and women who choose every day to put on the uniform and bear responsibility for the country's security. Standing beside them are their families, an inseparable part of every success and every mission we carry out.
Operational activity does not end when an aircraft's wheels touch the runway. Every mission is thoroughly debriefed with professionalism, integrity and humility. Lessons are absorbed with the understanding that the ability to learn and continually improve is a necessary condition for victory on the evolving battlefield. We always strive to stay a step and a half ahead of the enemy in technology, ingenuity, thinking and execution.
The people of Israel are our source of strength. A strong, determined and steadfast people, giving us the wind at our back against those who seek to destroy us.
We will not rest and we will not be still until all our missions are completed and the security of the State of Israel is guaranteed for eternity, for the sake of future generations.
