Israel’s recent revelation about deploying the F-35 in beast mode, carrying weapons externally during aerial strikes, prompts a deeper exploration. This strategic decision, while compromising the aircraft’s stealth, is a calculated move. The understanding of going beast mode over Gaza, with its negligible air defence, is clear. However, the prospect of employing this mode in Lebanon or Iran, with their formidable air defences, presents a complex operational challenge. This raises the question: what are the operational intricacies of using the beast mode in such scenarios?
The F-35, in its ‘stealth mode,’ carries weapons internally, effectively reducing its radar signature. However, when it transitions to ‘beast mode,’ carrying weapons externally, it sacrifices this stealth advantage for increased firepower. This Trade-off is a crucial consideration in military operations.
In “beast mode,” it carries additional munitions on external pylons. This configuration increases the aircraft’s radar cross-section (RCS), making it more detectable by enemy radar.
Beast mode increases the F-35’s firepower by allowing it to carry more ordnance, maximising strike efficiency against numerous ground targets.
However, Israel’s use of the F-35 in beast mode likely depends on the specific operational environment and objectives.
The Beast Mode can be used in the following operational scenarios:-
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- The enemy has no air defence capability or weapons.
- SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) missions have degraded the enemy’s radar and SAM capabilities.
- One way to mitigate the risks of flying in beast mode is by staying out of the enemy’s air defence weapons range. This can be achieved through intelligence-supported operational planning and/or stand-off attacks. The role of intelligence and meticulous planning in these operations cannot be overstated.
- Using escort and suppression support from electronic warfare platforms to mitigate the risks of flying in beast mode.
Low Threat Environment (Gaza Strikes). Against Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza, stealth is unnecessary since they lack sophisticated radar-guided air defences. Beast mode can be used in a risk environment to maximise firepower.
Lebanon (Hezbollah) Strikes. Hezbollah has comparatively more advanced air defence capabilities than Hamas, including Iranian-made radars and some older Russian SAMs. Beast mode can be used in a medium-risk environment by avoiding enemy air defences.
Iran Strikes—A Different Challenge. Iran operates a more sophisticated air defence network. Using beast mode over Iran would be risky because the F-35 would be much more visible on Iranian radar, and Iran’s long-range SAMs could engage the aircraft before it reaches the target. Beast mode can be used in a high-risk environment after neutralising enemy air defences.
Link to the article by Sakshi Tiwari :-
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