T
he Pentagon has finally confirmed that photos circulating on the Web of the F-22 intercept of Russian Bear bombers last fall are indeed photos of the event. NORAD launched two F-22A Raptors from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, on Nov. 22, 2007, to identify and monitor the two bombers flying off the coast of Alaska. It would be almost a month later before the Alaskan NORAD Region even confirmed the scramble, a first for the new Raptor unit at Elmendorf. The 
photos were taken by the F-22 pilots, confirmed a DOD spokesman last week in response to query. They have not been officially released, which makes one wonder: Why would DOD approve release of photos (here’s one) of Navy fighters on Feb. 9 intercepting a Russian Bear over a carrier
The Air Force F-35As that participated in Operation Midnight Hammer—the June 22 strike against Iranian uranium enrichment and nuclear research facilities—conducted both suppression of enemy air defenses, also called SEAD, and provided fighter cover for the strike force as it departed Iran, the service acknowledged Nov. 24.
