U.S. Air Force details F-35 role in Midnight Hammer strike

The United States Air Force has released an account of the June 22 strike on Iranian nuclear sites, describing the mission as a demonstration of American air power.

The operation involved F-35A aircraft from the 388th Fighter Wing, which the U.S. Air Force said supported B-2 bombers as they delivered GBU-57 penetrator weapons against facilities at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

The service framed the strike as proof of what it views as the value of the F-35’s low observable design and sensor suite. Col. Charles Fallon was quoted saying the mission “validated all of the capabilities of the F-35 we’ve been talking about for years.”

The Air Force described the F-35 element as focused on suppressing Iranian air defenses. Lt. Col. Aaron Osborne said the wing’s weapons officer served as mission commander and that the formation “flew hundreds of miles into Iran, escorting the B-2s the entire way” while attacking surface to air missile sites. The service reported that intelligence and cyber support contributed to protecting the strike package. It cited Gen. Dan Caine as saying no Iranian shots were fired.

The narrative cast the F-35’s performance as central to the mission and highlighted the aircraft’s perceived attributes from the Air Force’s perspective. Osborne said it was “cool to see the jet do exactly what it was designed to do” and argued that the platform is “the world’s finest combat machine.” These claims reflect the Air Force’s position on the program.

The article also included personal reflections from pilots who participated. Osborne said completing the mission and returning safely created a feeling “you’ll chase… for the rest of your life.”