In a chilling recollection of a high-stakes air battle, US F-15 pilots described their intense efforts to counter a massive Iranian attack on Israel. The assault involved swarms of drones and ballistic missiles, pushing the American and Israeli forces to their limits. Among the most striking revelations was the admission by Lieutenant Colonel Curtis “Voodoo” Culver, an F-15 pilot, who stated, “We ran out of missiles pretty quickly… 20 minutes maybe.”
The attack, which saw over 70 drones and three ballistic missiles launched by Iranian forces, put tremendous pressure on defending troops. The pilots had to adapt to the rapidly escalating situation, resorting to unconventional tactics when their primary resources were depleted.
A Desperate Fight in the Skies
As the attack unfolded, US F-15 fighters scrambled to intercept the barrage. Initially relying on advanced air-to-air missiles, the sheer volume of incoming threats led to their stock being rapidly exhausted. Once their missiles were depleted, the pilots had to switch to their aircraft guns—a risky move that presented significant challenges.
Major Coffey, one of the pilots involved, described the harrowing experience to CNN. “You feel the terrain rush, you feel yourself getting closer and closer to the ground,” he said, explaining the difficulty of using guns in low-visibility conditions and at dangerously low altitudes. With limited visibility and fast-moving targets, striking the drones and missiles with guns became a near-impossible task. Despite their best efforts, some targets were missed, heightening the moment’s tension.
Balancing Risk and Mission Objectives
The switch to aircraft guns wasn’t just a technical adjustment—it also introduced significant risks for the pilots. Flying close to the ground to engage the targets, they had to contend with limited maneuverability and the constant danger of a crash. Major Coffey acknowledged the high stakes: “The risk was just too high to try again,” he said, describing the tense decision-making that defined the engagement.
A Largely Thwarted Assault
While the Iranian attack was formidable, the efforts of US and Israeli forces ensured that much of the assault was thwarted. The interception of 70 drones and three ballistic missiles was a significant achievement under the circumstances. The incident serves as a testament to the skill and courage of the pilots who risked their lives to defend against overwhelming odds.
