Three advanced F-35i "Adir" stealth fighter jets landed at Israel's Nevatim Air Force base last Thursday, bolstering the Israeli Air Force fleet amid escalating tensions with Iran. The arrival comes as Israeli officials closely monitor Iranian military exercises specifically designed to simulate defense against potential Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the growing regional tensions following months of conflict that have seen the Israeli F-35 fleet accumulate over 15,000 operational flight hours across multiple combat theaters.
The Iranian military conducted comprehensive air defense drills last month, explicitly practicing scenarios involving Israeli strikes. These exercises come at a time of heightened regional tensions following months of conflict.
Since the war began, Israel's F-35i fleet has logged more than 15,000 operational flight hours while participating in thousands of combat missions across multiple fronts. This extensive combat experience has allowed the Israeli Air Force to develop and implement significant tactical improvements and operational lessons.
Originally designed to carry weapons internally to maintain stealth characteristics, the Israeli F-35i's capabilities have been expanded during the current conflict. The Flight Test Center, working jointly with Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon's F-35 program, successfully developed the ability to mount external JDAM precision-guided munitions on the aircraft's wings.
The Israeli "Adir" has achieved a notable distinction as the only F-35 variant worldwide to conduct actual combat operations with external weapons configurations. This modification has substantially increased the aircraft's strike capacity and operational flexibility. The expansion of Israel's F-35i fleet represents a considerable enhancement to the Israeli Air Force's precision strike capabilities amid ongoing regional challenges.
