Midnight Hammer F-16 pilots flew their non-stealth jets deep into Iran protecting bombers. Then they flew out critically low on fuel.

• 03/30/2026, 5:39 AM
• businessinsider.com

Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer/US Air Force

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.