US reportedly uses F-35 to down Iranian drone, sparking debate over air defense strategy
By KEMI KASUMU
“To you, Iran does not have an electronic warfare capability?” Obisesan asked, challenging claims that Iran could be easily disabled in a conflict.
The United States has reportedly used an F-35 stealth fighter jet to shoot down an Iranian drone, a move that has triggered debate among military analysts and observers over the choice of platform and the broader implications for US air defense strategy.
Analysts have questioned why the US deployed one of its most advanced and expensive fighter aircraft against a relatively low-capability target, rather than relying on conventional air defense systems. The incident has fueled a larger discussion about how effectively US forces and overseas bases could respond to a large-scale attack involving thousands of Iranian drones.
Some commentators argue that the decision may point to gaps or limitations in existing air defense coverage, while others see it as a tactical choice driven by situational factors rather than systemic weakness.
The development also prompted sharp exchanges among observers online. Umar Mohammed Nasiru questioned the logic of using an advanced F-35 against a less capable drone target. In response, Chidi Churchill Macmillian, a Nigerian commentator who appeared to side with the United States because of his bias for Israel, argued that in any direct conflict with Iran, Washington would rely first on electronic warfare.
“The fact is that, if God forbid the US goes ahead to attack Iran, the first line will be electronic warfare that will de-mobilise Iran,” Macmillian said. “All these missiles this and that won’t be able to fly. Iranian air defence will go down. It’s as simple as that.”
Nasiru pushed back, stating that neutralising Iran’s missile arsenal would not be possible. He argued that Iranian air defense systems are encrypted at a level that makes them resistant to external hacking. “De-mobillisig Iran powerful missile arsenal is not possible. Air defense systems have been encrypted on a different level of security beyond human hacking,” he said.
Adding to the debate, international affairs analyst Akintoye Obisesan questioned the assumption of US electronic warfare dominance. He asked why such capabilities were not used to defend Israel more effectively and pointed to past incidents in which Iran reportedly captured US drones, including Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk–type platforms.
“To you, Iran does not have an electronic warfare capability?” Obisesan asked, challenging claims that Iran could be easily disabled in a conflict.
The incident and the reactions it generated highlight ongoing uncertainty and debate over modern air defense, electronic warfare, and the evolving balance of capabilities between the US and Iran.
