The combination of armed drones (Shaheeds, etc) + plus hypersonic missiles and other ballistic missiles such as (Shahab, Sejjil, etc) provide Iran a formidable air force. Everything doesn't have to be a manned aircraft.
In just 12 days, the Iranian drones and ballistic/hypersonic missiles emptied Israelis' and their Western backers' interceptors. They also crippled Israeli airbases, economic infrastructure, and nuclear research centers.
What handicapped Iranian air defense was the terrorists roaming in the country, attacking all radars, air defense sites, and missile launchers. This terrorist menace needs to be uprooted with ruthless measures.