Talyn
Emissary
During Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, US Air Force F-16 fighter jets cleared the way for the B-2 bombers that struck Iran's nuclear facilities. The fighters flew hundreds of miles into Iranian territory, knocked out hostile air defenses, and flew out with very little fuel left in the tank, award citations reveal.
Earlier this month, the Air Force awarded six F-16 pilots from the 55th Fighter Squadron the Distinguished Flying Cross for their part in the operation, with special designations for service in combat. The award is bestowed for heroism or extraordinary achievement in flight.
Award citations provided by the Air Force to Business Insider spotlight these aviators, who flew nearly 300 miles into defended Iranian airspace in non-stealth jets, grappled with high-risk fuel challenges during the mission, and returned home.
www.businessinsider.com
During the operation, which unfolded nearly eight months before the more recent Operation Epic Fury, the six fighter pilots were tasked with executing an offensive counter-air and suppression of enemy air defenses mission to help the stealth B-2 Spirit bombers carrying 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators reach their targeted destinations, specifically Iranian nuclear facilities.
During the operation, the F-16s "employed multiple AGM-88 suppressive weapons against enemy threats protecting the bombers and their Airmen during their most vulnerable time over target," the award citations said. The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles are made to destroy radar-equipped air defense systems.
The fighter pilots flew "at grave risk" to their lives in the F-16, "the only aircraft without low-observable design, deep into a sophisticated Iranian integrated air and missile defense network," the award documents said. Flying so deep into adversary territory meant the crew ventured "far beyond the reach of friendly personnel recovery assets" and accepted "the considerable risk of capture" if shot down.
Earlier this month, the Air Force awarded six F-16 pilots from the 55th Fighter Squadron the Distinguished Flying Cross for their part in the operation, with special designations for service in combat. The award is bestowed for heroism or extraordinary achievement in flight.
Award citations provided by the Air Force to Business Insider spotlight these aviators, who flew nearly 300 miles into defended Iranian airspace in non-stealth jets, grappled with high-risk fuel challenges during the mission, and returned home.
Midnight Hammer F-16 pilots protected bombers deep into Iran and then flew out critically low on fuel
Air Force award documents reveal how six F-16 pilots escorted B-2 bombers into Iran, for Midnight Hammer, and returned home nearly out of gas.
www.businessinsider.com
During the operation, which unfolded nearly eight months before the more recent Operation Epic Fury, the six fighter pilots were tasked with executing an offensive counter-air and suppression of enemy air defenses mission to help the stealth B-2 Spirit bombers carrying 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators reach their targeted destinations, specifically Iranian nuclear facilities.
During the operation, the F-16s "employed multiple AGM-88 suppressive weapons against enemy threats protecting the bombers and their Airmen during their most vulnerable time over target," the award citations said. The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles are made to destroy radar-equipped air defense systems.
The fighter pilots flew "at grave risk" to their lives in the F-16, "the only aircraft without low-observable design, deep into a sophisticated Iranian integrated air and missile defense network," the award documents said. Flying so deep into adversary territory meant the crew ventured "far beyond the reach of friendly personnel recovery assets" and accepted "the considerable risk of capture" if shot down.
