As tensions continue to simmer in West Asia, Israel’s defense capabilities have once again come into focus with the arrival of three new F-35I Adir stealth fighter jets at Nevatim Air Base last week. This addition brings the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) total fleet of these advanced aircraft to 42, bolstering the country’s military edge. The IAF also recently disclosed some intriguing operational details about how it employs the F-35I Adir in bombing missions.
Israel initially ordered 50 F-35 Lightning II fighters from Lockheed Martin and supplemented this with an additional 25 units in 2023. This procurement makes Israel one of the largest operators of the fifth-generation fighter, reinforcing its aerial superiority in the region. Unlike the standard F-35, Israel’s F-35I Adir has been customized to meet the country’s specific operational needs.
While many nations have purchased the F-35, Israel was the first to use the aircraft in combat, launching offensive operations in Syria as early as 2018. More recently, the aircraft has played a pivotal role in Israel’s conflicts with Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran, accumulating over 15,000 flight hours on various battlefronts.
F-35I Adir in ‘Beast Mode’
A particularly noteworthy revelation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is that the F-35I Adir has been conducting airstrikes with externally mounted weapons. This marks a significant departure from conventional stealth tactics.
Stealth aircraft typically carry weapons in internal bays to minimize radar cross-section and maintain their low observability. However, when loaded with external long-range missiles—an approach known as ‘Beast Mode’—the aircraft sacrifices some stealth but gains considerable firepower. Israel has now become the first country known to have deployed the F-35 in combat under these conditions.
However, the IDF has not disclosed which specific bombing mission involved the use of Beast Mode, leaving analysts speculating on the strategic reasoning behind the decision.
Why Fly a Stealth Jet in ‘Beast Mode’?
The decision to use the F-35I Adir with externally mounted weapons despite having non-stealth aircraft like the F-15 and F-16 at its disposal raises important operational questions.
According to Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retired) of the Indian Air Force, Israel’s choice to deploy the aircraft in Beast Mode likely hinges on the specific operational environment and risk assessment. He outlined a few scenarios where this approach could be viable:
- Enemy Air Defense is Weak or Non-Existent – If the adversary lacks sophisticated radar and missile capabilities, stealth may not be necessary.
- Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) Missions Have Been Successful – If prior attacks have degraded the enemy’s radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, the risk of detection diminishes.
- Standoff Attacks from Outside Air Defense Range – By launching precision strikes from outside enemy air defense zones, the F-35 can avoid counterattacks.
- Electronic Warfare Support – If electronic warfare platforms neutralize enemy radar and missile guidance systems, the aircraft can carry heavier payloads with reduced risk.
Given that Gaza’s militant groups lack advanced air defense systems, stealth may not be a priority in those operations. However, Hezbollah in Lebanon possesses Iranian-made radars and older Russian SAMs, making Beast Mode a calculated risk in such environments. Iran, with its more sophisticated air defense network, would present a far greater challenge.
F-35I
The externally mounted weapon identified in Israel’s recent missions is the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The IAF confirmed that it collaborated with Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon to modify the F-35I Adir, enabling it to carry JDAM bombs on its wings instead of in its internal weapons bay.
The JDAM is a precision-guided weapon that converts unguided bombs into all-weather, smart munitions. By integrating this capability, the IAF has significantly enhanced the F-35I’s versatility in conducting high-impact bombing operations.
Photographs released by the IAF reveal an F-35I Adir fitted with four external 2,000-pound-class GBU-31 JDAMs. Typically, an F-35A can carry up to 18,000 pounds of ordnance across 10 weapon stations, with internal bays maximizing stealth capability. The addition of external JDAMs marks a major operational evolution for the aircraft.
Israel’s Unique Customization of the F-35I
What sets the F-35I Adir apart from other F-35 variants is the degree of customization Israel has undertaken. The country was granted special permission to modify the aircraft’s software and hardware without altering the core US-made systems. These modifications focus on:
- Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Systems – Enhancing real-time battlefield connectivity.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Capabilities – Integrating Israeli-made sensors and countermeasures to disrupt enemy radars and missile systems.
- Weapons Integration – Incorporating unique munitions and delivery methods tailored to Israel’s security landscape.
Israel’s indigenous electronic warfare suite is particularly critical, allowing pilots to interfere with enemy communications and guidance systems. The IAF has also developed a way to extend the F-35I’s range to strike targets in Iran without requiring mid-air refueling, though the specifics remain classified.
The F-35I Adir gives Israel a unique strategic advantage, not only due to its combat capabilities but also because of its maintenance and sustainment setup. Unlike other operators, Israel has its own upgrade and testing system, allowing for independent software updates and modifications. A specially configured F-35I serves as a testbed for these continuous improvements.
Additionally, the US remains a key partner in ensuring Israel’s F-35 fleet remains operationally effective. The Pentagon has consistently provided logistical and technical support, underscoring its commitment to Israel’s security in an increasingly volatile region.
Israel’s decision to employ its F-35I Adir fighters in Beast Mode marks a significant shift in how stealth aircraft are used in combat. By prioritizing firepower over stealth in specific scenarios, the IAF has demonstrated the aircraft’s adaptability to varying threat environments.
With its ever-expanding F-35 fleet, cutting-edge modifications, and strong US backing, Israel continues to set new benchmarks in aerial warfare. As geopolitical tensions in West Asia remain high, the F-35I Adir will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the region’s military balance.
