Two weeks into the air campaign, 24-hour strike operations finally begin. However, gradualism still marks NATO’s approach to the conflict. It will be another month before sortie rates and the number of aircraft in action reach the level required.
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.