Israel’s F-35I Adir stealth fighters have emerged as pivotal assets in the escalating shadow war with Iran, executing high-risk missions deep into Iranian territory while showcasing uniquely Israeli technological adaptations. From neutralizing air defenses to striking sensitive military targets, these fifth-generation jets blend cutting-edge U.S. engineering with bespoke Israeli innovations—a fusion reshaping regional power dynamics.
Stealth and Precision in Iranian Skies
On June 13-14, 2025, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Rising Lion, deploying over 100 aircraft—including F-35I Adirs, F-16 Sufas, and F-15 Ra’ams—on a 2,000-kilometer mission to strike Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The F-35Is spearheaded the assault, leveraging stealth capabilities to evade Iran’s radar networks and deliver precision strikes on targets in Tehran, Karaj, and Natanz. Satellite imagery later confirmed significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz enrichment site.
Iranian state media claimed its air defenses downed two F-35Is during the operation, capturing one pilot—a narrative Israel vehemently denied. While Tehran circulated images of alleged wreckage, the IDF dismissed these as “baseless,” asserting no aircraft losses. Analysts speculate the F-35Is’ success stemmed from coordinated electronic warfare (EW) tactics: initial waves disabled Iranian radar systems using drones and missiles, enabling follow-up strikes by stealth fighters.
A critical factor was a clandestine U.S.-Israeli modification to extend the F-35I’s range without mid-air refueling. By integrating additional fuel capacity while preserving stealth, the jets bypassed logistical hurdles and political sensitivities of operating in neighboring airspace. This upgrade, paired with Israel’s domestic maintenance infrastructure, ensured operational readiness and cost efficiency.
The Adir’s Edge: Customizations Beyond Standard F-35s
Israel’s F-35I Adir (“Mighty One”) diverges sharply from its U.S. counterparts, reflecting the IAF’s insistence on autonomy and regional threat adaptability:
- Electronic Warfare and C4I Systems: Despite U.S. restrictions on internal modifications, Israel added external EW suites and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. These interfaces, developed by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), enhance threat detection, jamming, and battlefield coordination.
- Weapons Integration: The Adir carries Israeli-made missiles and bombs, including the SPICE-2000 glide bomb and Rafael’s Python-5 air-to-air missile. This flexibility lets the IAF tailor payloads for specific missions, such as penetrating hardened nuclear facilities.
- Domestic Maintenance: Unlike other F-35 operators reliant on Lockheed Martin, Israel performs all maintenance domestically—reducing costs and ensuring rapid turnaround.
These modifications proved decisive in Iran. During the June 2025 strikes, Adirs reportedly used their EW suites to blind Iranian radars, while sensor fusion capabilities allowed real-time data sharing with F-16s and drones. “The Adir isn’t just a plane; it’s a networked combat ecosystem,” an IAF officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Tactical Evolution and Regional Implications
The F-35I’s performance has reshaped Israel’s military calculus. With Iran’s air defenses degraded, the IDF now claims “unobstructed access” to Tehran. Recent strikes targeted Revolutionary Guard leadership and missile stockpiles, underscoring the Adir’s role in decapitating Iran’s military hierarchy.
Yet challenges persist. Iran’s deployment of advanced Russian-made S-400 systems and claims of downing stealth jets (however disputed) highlight evolving threats. Israel’s response? Further Adir upgrades, including AI-driven targeting systems and enhanced stealth coatings to counter infrared detection.
Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
