Fact Check: IAF destroyed 80% of Iranian missile systems in Operation Rising Lion!

Fact Check: "IAF destroyed 80% of Iranian missile systems in Operation Rising Lion!"

What We Know

The claim that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) destroyed 80% of Iranian missile systems during Operation Rising Lion is based on statements from the Israeli military. According to a report by the Times of Israel, the IAF successfully destroyed approximately 80 Iranian surface-to-air missile systems, which were part of a broader military campaign against Iran's missile infrastructure. This operation reportedly targeted around 100 missile systems located in various areas of Iran.

Additionally, the Hudson Institute elaborates that the operation not only aimed to eliminate missile systems but also involved the destruction of key military and scientific personnel, thereby degrading Iran's overall military capabilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed significant success in this operation, which was part of a larger conflict between Israel and Iran that escalated in June 2025.

Analysis

While the claim that 80% of Iranian missile systems were destroyed is supported by the IDF's statements, the context and specifics of the claim require careful examination. The figure of 80% pertains specifically to surface-to-air missile systems, which is a subset of Iran's overall missile capabilities. Therefore, while the destruction of these systems is significant, it does not necessarily equate to an overall 80% reduction in all Iranian missile capabilities.

The reliability of the sources reporting this information is mixed. The Times of Israel is a reputable news outlet that provides coverage on military and geopolitical issues, while the Hudson Institute is a think tank known for its defense and foreign policy analysis. However, both sources rely on information from the Israeli military, which may present a biased perspective aimed at showcasing operational success. The IDF's claims should be viewed with caution, as they may be influenced by the need to maintain public morale and justify military actions.

Moreover, the broader context of the conflict, including Iranian responses and the effectiveness of their remaining missile systems, is not fully addressed in these reports. The claim does not consider the operational status of the remaining missile systems or the potential for Iran to recover and rebuild its military capabilities in the aftermath of the strikes.

Conclusion

The claim that the IAF destroyed 80% of Iranian missile systems in Operation Rising Lion is Partially True. While credible sources confirm that a significant number of Iranian surface-to-air missile systems were destroyed, the claim lacks clarity regarding the overall impact on Iran's missile capabilities. The figure pertains specifically to a subset of missile systems and does not account for the entirety of Iran's missile arsenal. Additionally, the reliability of the sources, while generally strong, is influenced by the perspective of the Israeli military.

Fact Check: IAF destroyed 80% of Iranian missile systems in Operation Rising Lion!