Israel’s unique F-35I Adir stands out as one of the most advanced and formidable stealth fighters in the world. While its origins trace back to the U.S.-designed F-35 Lightning II, Israel has taken this aircraft to the next level with customized modifications that fit its specific defense needs. In a world where air superiority is crucial, the F-35I is not just a tool of defense but a symbol of technological mastery and operational capability. Even though the U.S. is the birthplace of the F-35 program, the Israeli variant — the Adir — is something the U.S. doesn’t even fly.
The F-35I Adir, meaning “Mighty” in Hebrew, is a single-engine, single-pilot aircraft with enhanced capabilities. Based on Lockheed Martin’s F-35, the Adir version has been customized to meet the specific security demands of the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
Unlike other F-35 operators, Israel has the freedom to upgrade and modify the jet’s hardware and software, giving it unparalleled control over the aircraft’s performance. These changes include advanced electronic warfare systems, locally developed sensors, and enhanced countermeasures that give the F-35I a significant edge over the standard versions operated by other countries.
Israel has also made modifications to allow the F-35I to carry a broader range of weaponry, particularly those designed domestically, making it a more versatile tool in combat scenarios. Its integration into Israel’s defense structure has proven essential, especially in light of the region’s volatile security environment.
The F-35I’s importance in Israel’s military strategy was underscored recently in a high-stakes conflict involving Iran. On a tense night, some 180 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel by Iranian forces. Despite the barrage, Israel’s defense systems, including the F-35I, played a key role in protecting the country from the worst effects of the strikes.
However, in a stark contrast between reality and propaganda, unconfirmed reports emerged claiming that up to 20 F-35 fighters were destroyed during the Iranian raids. These claims, although baseless, were widely circulated by Iranian media, portraying the attacks as highly successful. Yet, there has been no confirmation from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or any independent body regarding the loss of these jets.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) dismissed these reports, emphasizing that the Iranian claims were more about influencing public opinion than reporting facts. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, described the missile attack as a “big mistake” and promised that Tehran would pay for its actions.
Iran’s Operation True Promise II: The Alleged Strike
Iran’s missile attack, dubbed Operation True Promise II, targeted several key Israeli military sites, including the Nevatim air base, which houses Israel’s F-35 fleet. Iranian military officials, including Chief of the General Staff Mohammad Bagheri, claimed that they had hit the Nevatim base, along with other military facilities. However, these claims remain unverified, with Israel yet to respond directly to the allegations regarding its F-35s.
Despite the Iranian narrative, Israel’s air defense capabilities, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, along with the advanced technology in the F-35I, have been critical in mitigating the impact of such large-scale attacks. Israeli officials have vowed a swift and forceful retaliation for the missile strikes.
While the F-35I is central to Israel’s defense against missile attacks, it has also shown its effectiveness in offensive operations. Israel became the first country in the world to use the F-35 in combat in May 2018, targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Syria. The aircraft’s stealth capabilities allowed it to evade enemy radar, making it an ideal choice for such operations.
Since then, Israel has continued to deploy the F-35I in multiple combat operations. In 2021, the F-35I Adir was the first fighter jet to destroy airborne targets, intercepting Iranian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) far from Israeli airspace. These UAVs were believed to be Shahed-197 drones, a model associated with Iranian-backed militias in the region.
Most recently, the Israel-Hamas war has seen the F-35I frequently deployed in support of IDF operations in Gaza. In October 2023, following the October 7 Hamas massacre, the IDF launched a series of airstrikes on Hamas targets. The F-35I has been instrumental in these operations, providing precision strikes and intelligence gathering.
In November 2023, Israel confirmed that F-35I jets were involved in intercepting and downing a cruise missile during the ongoing conflict, further highlighting the aircraft’s role in defending the country from various threats.
Yemen Strikes: Long-Range Power Projection
Israel’s use of the F-35I Adir has not been limited to its immediate borders. In July 2024, the IAF conducted a retaliatory mission against a drone strike from the Houthi militia, targeting the city of Tel Aviv. The response, led by F-35I Adir jets, involved airstrikes on Hodeidah, a port city in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels. This mission marked Israel’s first direct military action in Yemen and demonstrated the long-range strike capabilities of the F-35I, as the target was 1,700 kilometers from Israel.
U.S.-Israeli Collaboration and Insights
The relationship between the U.S. and Israel has been vital to the success of the F-35I program. While the U.S. military operates its versions of the F-35, the Israeli modifications and autonomous sustainment of the F-35I offer valuable lessons for the Pentagon, particularly in light of challenges with F-35 readiness in the U.S. armed forces.
The U.S. military has faced readiness issues with its F-35 fleet. As of March 2023, only 55 percent of the U.S. F-35s were mission-capable, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. In contrast, Israel has developed its own system for sustaining and upgrading its F-35I fleet, allowing for quicker turnaround times and higher mission-capable rates.
During a December 2023 congressional testimony, Pentagon officials acknowledged that Israel’s experience with maintaining its F-35I fleet during ongoing combat operations could provide critical insights for the U.S., especially concerning potential conflicts in the Pacific.
Additionally, Israel’s ability to develop and implement its own software updates for the F-35I has helped it avoid many of the logistical challenges faced by other F-35 operators. This autonomy is made possible through a specially configured test F-35, which allows Israel to test and deploy modifications independently.
Israel’s Expanding F-35I Fleet
In mid-2023, Israel finalized a $3 billion deal with the U.S. to purchase an additional 25 F-35 fighter jets, boosting its fleet to 75 aircraft. This acquisition includes the purchase of a third squadron from Lockheed Martin, and it solidifies Israel’s position as one of the largest operators of the F-35 in the world.
The deal, funded by U.S. military aid, is part of a broader strategy to enhance Israel’s military capabilities in an increasingly unstable region. By expanding its fleet, Israel ensures that it remains at the forefront of air superiority and maintains its ability to respond to regional threats effectively.
As conflicts in the Middle East continue to evolve, Israel’s F-35I Adir remains a critical asset in its defense strategy. The unique capabilities of the Adir, combined with Israel’s ability to upgrade and modify the aircraft independently, give it an edge in both defensive and offensive operations.
The F-35I Adir is more than just a symbol of military strength; it represents a successful collaboration between the U.S. and Israel and a technological marvel adapted to the unique needs of the Israeli Air Force. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, the F-35I will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Israel’s military responses, providing valuable insights for its allies, and securing the nation’s airspace for years to come.
