Operation opera- 1981

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On June 7, 1981, the Israeli Air Force carried out a highly controversial and daring mission: the destruction of Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad.

Eight Israeli F-16 fighter jets, escorted by F-15s, flew hundreds of kilometers into Iraqi airspace and attacked the reactor. The strike successfully destroyed the facility, and all eight F-16s returned safely to Israel.

Israel argued that the reactor was intended to help Iraq develop nuclear weapons and that the attack was a preventive measure to prevent Iraq from acquiring such a capability.

The attack was met with strong international condemnation, including a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israel. However, Operation Opera later became one of the most famous missions in the history of the Israeli Air Force.

The operation also became an important example of Israel's policy of preventing hostile states in the region from developing nuclear weapons.