WATCH: IDF bombs Iranian fighter jets moments before they could take off

Two fighter jets, one an F4 and one an F5, were already out on the runway and preparing to take off when the IDF struck.

Israeli Air Force strikes two Iranian F-4 and F-5 fighter jets said to be prepared for takeoff, March 1, 2026 (IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

MARCH 1, 2026 13:48

Updated: MARCH 1, 2026 19:25

The IDF on Sunday afternoon bombed Iranian fighter jets moments before they could take off.

Two fighter jets, one an F4 and one an F5, were already out on the runway and preparing to take off when the IDF struck.

Iran's air force, including the F4 and F5 fighters, is antiquated and no real match for Israel's F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s.

Israeli Air Force fighter pilots prepare to strike Iran, February 28, 2026 — Israeli Air Force fighter pilots prepare to strike Iran, February 28, 2026 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Fighter jets could complicate Israeli and US drone ops

But the fighter jets could be problematic for Israeli and American drones and generally complicate the battle space.

Israel and the US are close to air supremacy in the Tehran area, where they can carry out stand-in attacks, hovering above potential targets unimpeded for an extended period.