FIRST ON FOX — Israeli pilots were already conducting operations when American forces initiated strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, deeming these missions crucial for Israel’s defense and for the broader campaign against the regime’s international menace.

In an exclusive interview with Digital, two Israeli Air Force (IAF) personnel—a female combat flight navigator and a pilot, whose names remain confidential due to security concerns—provided an uncommon, direct perspective on Israel’s unprecedented aerial operation.

They stated that the operation represents not just a struggle for national survival, but also a wider undertaking to address worldwide dangers.

The female combat navigator remarked, “For several days, we have been carrying out precise and decisive operations targeting the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime—from western Iran all the way to Tehran.”

“We have gained air superiority, disabling essential infrastructure and destroying more than a third of Iran’s missile capacities. Each mission we undertake serves a single purpose: to safeguard the State of Israel and secure its populace. We are committed to acting whenever and wherever necessary to defend our nation,” she added.

The campaign commenced with a preemptive strike, prompted by Israeli intelligence evaluations indicating that Iran’s increasing missile deployments and progressing nuclear program presented an immediate peril. Within hours, the Israeli Air Force initiated a synchronized series of assaults across Iran, targeting key military and nuclear locations.

To date, the IAF has attained total air supremacy, enabling its aircraft to execute deep strikes encountering minimal opposition. Israeli defense officials report that dozens of Israeli fighter jets have hit more than 1,000 high-priority targets. These included, but were not limited to, a section of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, long-range missile storage sites near Hamedan, drone manufacturing and command hubs in Shiraz, IRGC command centers in Tehran, and advanced Russian-manufactured air defense systems such as the S-300 and S-400 batteries.

Speaking from an undisclosed military base, the IAF pilot characterized the mission as both highly operational and deeply personal.

He stated, “Throughout this entire operation, we have been targeting numerous missiles directed at Israel and its civilians. It instills in us a sense of accomplishment and resolve, understanding that we are eliminating capacities Iran possesses to strike civilians—our families, our residences.”

Within the cockpit, he noted, there is no allowance for indecision.

He elaborated, “There are no overwhelming emotions in the cockpit. It’s solely about the mission; you are entirely oriented towards it. The return journey allows for a bit more reflection and conversation with a fellow pilot, but, fundamentally, you are extremely concentrated on executing the mission and ensuring no errors are made—that everything proceeds precisely as planned.”

While the campaign’s immediate goal is to defend Israeli citizens, the pilot underscored that the implications are global.

He remarked, “It is the struggle of the Western world and Western civilization, severing the head of the snake and addressing a threat that has loomed over the entire world.”

“Whether it involves terrorist activities overseas, ballistic missiles, or dangers to vessels in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, we are engaged in a conflict for the benefit of the entire world. However, our primary objective is to fight for our homeland,” he asserted.

He cited Iran’s repeated declarations of intent to destroy Israel as explicit justification for the operation.

He stated, “They had missiles directed at us, their nuclear program was targeting us. They have openly declared—in speeches and on social media—their desire to annihilate us. Had it not been for our preemptive strike, they would have been capable of executing that threat within a few years.”

For both individuals, the mission is not merely strategic, but profoundly patriotic.

The pilot further stated, “There is an undeniable connection between our actions and the security of the State of Israel. We are dismantling precision missiles targeting our hospitals, our residences. The nuclear program was directed at us. Personally, participating in this is a very rewarding experience. Yet, it is also humbling to be a component of such an extensive operation—this entire apparatus—the Israeli Air Force and the nation united.”