Vermont Air Guard F-35s Sent to Support Iran Strikes

The 158th Fighter Wing redirected to assist U.S. and Israeli operations

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing was redirected across the Atlantic to support U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Craine. The operation, called 'Operation Absolute Resolve', has a 'clear, devastating, decisive mission' to destroy Iran's missile threat, its navy, and prevent the nation from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Why it matters

The deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard's F-35A fighter jets to support the strikes on Iran highlights the important role that National Guard forces play in U.S. military operations. The operation also comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran launching missiles at Israel and neighboring Gulf states.

The details

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation is not open-ended and is focused on specific objectives. Protests have broken out across the country, with some demonstrators opposing the use of military force and others celebrating the fall of Iran's supreme leader.

  • On Monday, Iran and its allies launched missiles at Israel and neighboring Gulf states.
  • Protests took place in Vermont, including outside Burlington City Hall and in Brattleboro, on Saturday.

The players

Gen. Dan Craine

Joint Chiefs Chairman who announced the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing to support the strikes on Iran.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary who said the operation has a 'clear, devastating, decisive mission' to destroy Iran's missile threat, its navy, and prevent the nation from obtaining nuclear weapons.

158th Fighter Wing

The Vermont Air National Guard unit that was redirected across the Atlantic to support the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“In the case of the Vermont Air National Guard and the 158th Fighter Wing, they were mobilized for Operation Absolute Resolve, and then were tasked to take their F-35As across the Atlantic instead of going home, to be prepared to support this operation.”

— Gen. Dan Craine, Joint Chiefs Chairman (921wvtk.com)

“The operation has a 'clear, devastating, decisive mission' to destroy Iran's missile threat, destroy its navy, and prevent the nation from obtaining nuclear weapons.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary (921wvtk.com)

What’s next

More rallies are expected in cities across the country on Monday in response to the strikes on Iran.

The takeaway

The deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard's F-35A fighter jets underscores the critical role that National Guard forces play in supporting major U.S. military operations, even as the operation faces domestic opposition and heightened regional tensions.