Fact Check: "On October 23, 2023, the Israeli army claimed to have achieved 'total air superiority in the skies over Tehran.'"
What We Know
On October 23, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had achieved "full aerial superiority" over Tehran, the capital of Iran. This claim was made by IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, who indicated that Israeli aircraft now controlled the skies from western Iran to Tehran and had successfully destroyed over 120 surface-to-air missile systems as part of their military operations targeting Iran's nuclear program and military sites (NBC News, The Hill, Business Standard).
Reports indicate that the Israeli military had conducted extensive air raids, utilizing a large number of fighter jets, and had significantly degraded Iran's air defense capabilities, which included the destruction of key radar and missile systems (BBC, Times of India).
Analysis
The claim of achieving "total air superiority" is supported by multiple sources, including military assessments and statements from Israeli officials. The IDF's assertion aligns with observed military actions, where Israeli jets have been able to operate with relative impunity over Tehran, suggesting a significant reduction in Iranian air defense effectiveness (NBC News, ABC7).
However, while the IDF claims full air superiority, experts caution that this does not equate to complete air dominance. Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute noted that while Israel may have air superiority, Iran still possesses shorter-range air defense systems that could pose a threat (BBC). This distinction is crucial; air superiority allows for operational freedom but does not eliminate all risks from remaining air defense capabilities.
Moreover, the context of the ongoing conflict, which has seen both sides engaging in missile exchanges, complicates the assessment of air superiority. Reports indicate that Iranian missile strikes have resulted in casualties in Israel, demonstrating that while Israel may control the skies, the threat from Iranian retaliatory capabilities remains (NBC News, WHAM).
Conclusion
The claim that the Israeli army achieved "total air superiority in the skies over Tehran" on October 23, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports the assertion that Israeli forces have significantly degraded Iranian air defenses, allowing them to operate freely in Iranian airspace. However, it is important to note that while Israel may have air superiority, the potential for Iranian air defense systems to still pose a threat exists, indicating that the situation is complex and dynamic.
Sources
- Israel says it has full control over Tehran's skies as both sides ... - BBC
- Live updates: Israel claims aerial superiority over Iran's capital, Tehran - NBC News
- Israel claims 'aerial superiority' over Iran capital - The Hill
- Israel claims aerial superiority over Tehran amid ongoing ... - WHAM
- Iran missile attacks on Israel kill 5, while Israel claims it ... - ABC7
- 'Tehran no longer immune': Israel says it has air superiority over Iran ... - Times of India
- Israel claims full air superiority over Tehran amid conflict ... - Business Standard
- Israeli strikes highlight its military superiority over Iran, experts say - NBC News
