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News   Israel News

‘Strike hard,’ US Air Force pilot tells IAF counterpart

“It’s a great honor for us to fight with you,” the Israeli pilot says.

Mar. 12, 2026
JNS Staff

‘Strike hard,’ US Air Force pilot tells IAF counterpart

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F-35
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft flown by the F-35 aerial demonstration team assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, performs aerial maneuvers over Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 15, 2025. Credit: Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton/U.S. Air Force Photo.

The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday evening released a radio recording of one of its fighter pilots conversing with a U.S. counterpart during “Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury” against the Islamic Republic.

In the recording released by the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli pilot is heard telling the American, whose aircraft is identified as Mobile 97, “It’s a great honor for us to fight with you. You’re doing a great job.”

The American pilot can be heard responding, “Thank you very much. Likewise, gentlemen. Please be safe out there. Strike hard—see ya.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CBS News earlier this week, “When you combine our Air Force with the Air Force of the Israeli Defense Forces, it’s the two most powerful air forces in the world.”

“I want your viewers to understand is this is only just the beginning,” Hegseth told CBS News, adding: “Our capabilities are overwhelming compared to what Iran’s are.”

Iran IDF U.S.-Israel Relations Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury
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