Sighter Burst is a typically ‘fighter pilot’ terminology, who flew the older generation aircraft viz the majestic Hunters, the wily Gnat, and, of course, the famous Sabre Jet (F-86).

All these aircraft were equipped with gyro gun sights, which were used to track the target before carrying out a gun attack. A typical gun sight consisted of a pipper (a circle) in the center surrounded by eight diamonds.

The tracking pilot had to put the pipper on the cockpit of the target aircraft, track for at least two seconds, and then open fire. In practice, fighter pilots took the ‘SIGHTER BURST’ before opening the guns. Put simply, the sighter burst was a premeditated activity before the actual attack.

Israel’s strike on numerous Iranian targets on 26th October 2024 appears to be a ‘SIGHTER BURST’ before the possibly impending massive strike on Iranian nuclear installations.

Having sifted through the scant data available, nearly 100 Israeli fighters hit at least 12 (as per a report attributed to the Pentagon) military targets; it is evident that the Iranian Air Force did not pose any threat to numerous Israeli missions in a nearly three-hour window. Whether Israelis struck and destroyed the targets is of little consequence; what is of extreme significance is that no Israeli warplanes were lost.

‘NO LOSS’ highlights a few vital aspects. First, the Israeli mission selected intelligent multiple tactical routing while flying mostly over hostile territory. Second, jammers were used. Third, the ineffectiveness/impotence of ground-based Iranian SAM systems was highlighted.

While flying to these targets, Israeli aircraft must have flown in the proximity of Iranian nuclear sites, Natanz and Fordow in particular.

Now, about the radar cover available to Iranian Vas/VPs. As of this date, there is no record available of Iranian fighters scrambling to intercept incoming Israeli raids. It could be because of two reasons: poor training status of Iranian Air Force pilots to execute night interception even during the moon phase and inadequate radar network, which were unable to track the incoming aircraft, possibly flying at ultra-low level during the terminal phase.

There could be yet another reason: Iran opted to maintain silence by choice to keep their radar /SAM network cover from opening up for a future event.

Israel had made its intent to attack Iranian nuclear facilities nearly a decade ago. Especially after the JCPOA agreement was signed by the Obama regime, Israel clearly enunciated its intent.

However, at that time, the Israeli Air Force did not have suitable weapons to engage deeply embedded nuclear facilities in Iran. Trump’s presidency gave a fillip to Israel’s desire to strike an Iranian nuclear facility.

Biden administration tried to convince Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear facility and oil installations, Kharg island in particular. While an attack on Iran’s oil installations would have global significance, the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would have remained confined to Iran only.

Israel has a golden opportunity (read excuse) to retaliate and attempt to destroy the nuclear installations. Iranian missile strike on Israel on 1^st October was mere symbolism. Apparently, Israel hardly suffered any significant damage to life, property, and/or military installations. Iran had no choice but to carry out the missile strike to ‘please’ HAMAS, HOUTHI, and HEZBOLLAH.

Iran might have miscalculated that Israel would not retaliate, keeping in view their multi-front engagements. However, Israel took nearly 25 days before striking targets in the heart of Iran. No mission can claim 100% success. But in the case of Israel, the 100 aircraft mission appears to be 100% successful because no losses were sustained. Israeli jammers must have mapped the actual radar coverage available around Vas/VPs.

The success of the Israeli strike opens a window for the Israeli Air Force to carry out a direct attack on nuclear facilities. 5^th November results of the US Presidential election will decide on ‘GO/NO-GO’.

Trump’s win will clear the last obstacle. If Israel fails to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities now, it will be doing an ‘INDIA,’ which too failed to allow Israel to strike the Kahuta nuclear facility in Pakistan.

Pakistan today is a formidable nuclear power. Had India allowed staging facility to Israeli fighters at Jamnagar, Kahuta might have met the same fate as Osirak in Iraq.

Actual Israeli strike on nuclear targets will/may be during daylight hours. Although satellite pictures give a clear picture of the facilities, for targeting embedded targets, the actual point of impact requires sub-meter resolution. Without a doubt, Israelis will have all these details and must have practiced simulated attacks dozens of times.

A word about attrition while attacking such heavily defended targets. Modern SAM systems viz S-300, etc, can still see the target despite being jammed. This is accomplished by pumping brute power to radiate and illuminate the incoming hostile aircraft and track it by way of ‘burn-through’ range and launch the missile.

However, the engagement window is reduced markedly, and in the event of a saturated strike from a single/multi-radial, few strike aircraft get through. For a target of such significance, Israelis would be mentally prepared for suffering heavy attrition. After all, a nuke with Iran will be a threat to Israel’s existence.

Israel will not sit quietly and allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran already has suitable delivery systems. Weapon mating will take some time. 100 aircraft strike by Israel is merely the opening gambit? Will Israel like to regret not grabbing the golden opportunity like India? Israel has to decide FOR ITSELF with or without ‘GO-AHEAD’ from the US.

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