A conversation on X highlighted that Iranian fighter pilots conduct defensive patrols lasting more than nine hours each day. Staying in the cramped cockpit for such long periods, merely circling the sky, is described as extremely tiring and demanding, draining a great deal of human energy. One commentator argued that this activity wastes resources unless its cost is fully covered by the oil sector that the patrols are meant to protect. He also noted that one of the fighters carries a kilo‑mark Iranian‑made surveillance drone.