Article Summary: The F-35I Adir, Israel’s modified version of the F-35, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to meet the unique needs of the Israeli Air Force. However, in fact, the only problem with the F-35I Adir is that Israel needs more of them, and they can’t come fast enough.
Key Point #1 – With advanced electronic warfare systems, custom avionics, and Israeli-made weapons, the Adir ensures air superiority and strategic deterrence in the Middle East. Despite its cutting-edge capabilities, slow delivery of these aircraft raises concerns as regional tensions grow.
Key Point #2 – The F-35I’s stealth, power projection, and networked warfare advantages make it a crucial asset for Israel. As deliveries continue, the Adir will play a key role in securing Israel’s airspace and maintaining a technological edge over adversaries.
Why Israel’s F-35I Adir Is the Most Advanced Stealth Fighter in the Middle East
The F-35I Adir, a variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet uniquely tailored and customized for the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
The name “Adir,” meaning “Mighty One” in Hebrew, reflects its formidable capabilities and strategic importance to Israel.
While it may look like an ordinary F-35, the F-35 Adir is so much more under the surface.
But what exactly sets the F-35I apart from its American counterparts, and why exactly does Israel want this aircraft?
The F-35 Comes to Israel
The F-35I Adir is a customized version of the F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the F-35 Lightning II.
While the F-35A is used by several countries, the F-35I Adir incorporates unique modifications to meet Israel’s specific operational requirements.
These modifications include enhanced command and control systems, a unique electronic warfare suite, and the integration of Israeli-made weapons.
Israel’s journey with the F-35 began in October 2010 when it became the first foreign nation to select the F-35 through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process.
The first F-35I Adir was delivered to the IAF in December 2016, and since then, Israel has continued to expand its fleet, with plans to operate a total of 50 aircraft.
F-35I vs F-35A: What’s the Difference?
The F-35I Adir boasts several advanced capabilities that make it a critical asset for the IAF. It features advanced stealth technology, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect.
This capability allows the aircraft to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct missions with a lower risk of being targeted.
The F-35I Adir is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors, providing pilots with unparalleled situational awareness. The aircraft’s Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) enable pilots to detect and track targets with high precision.
One of the key modifications in the F-35I Adir is its unique electronic warfare suite, developed by Israeli defense companies.
This suite includes advanced sensors and countermeasures, enhancing the aircraft’s ability to operate in contested environments and counter enemy threats.
The F-35I Adir is capable of carrying a wide range of Israeli-made weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
This flexibility allows the IAF to tailor the aircraft’s armament to specific mission requirements.
The F-35I Adir is designed to operate as part of a network-centric warfare system, sharing real-time data with other aircraft, ground forces, and command centers.
This capability enhances the IAF’s ability to conduct coordinated operations and respond rapidly to emerging threats.
Additionally, Israel has secured the ability to conduct in-country maintenance for the F-35I Adir, significantly reducing operational costs and ensuring the aircraft’s readiness for combat.
Why Israel Wants the F-35I Adir
Israel’s acquisition of the F-35I Adir is driven by several strategic considerations. The Middle East is a region characterized by complex security challenges and potential adversaries with advanced air defense systems.
While the Assad regime in Syria is no longer a threat, Israel still has to worry about the threat from Iran and its proxies.
The F-35I Adir’s stealth capabilities and advanced avionics ensure that Israel maintains air superiority and can effectively counter threats from hostile nations and non-state actors.
The F-35I Adir serves as a powerful deterrent, signaling to potential adversaries that Israel possesses cutting-edge military technology.
The aircraft’s ability to conduct precision strikes and penetrate enemy defenses enhances Israel’s power projection capabilities, allowing it to respond decisively to any aggression.
The Adir’s versatility and multi-role capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare. This operational flexibility is crucial for the IAF, enabling it to adapt to evolving threats and mission requirements. By integrating Israeli-made systems and weapons into the F-35I Adir, Israel ensures that it retains a technological edge over its adversaries. The ability to customize the aircraft to meet specific operational needs enhances its effectiveness and aligns with Israel’s defense strategy.
Unmatched Air Dominance but Slow Procurement
If there is one Issue with the F-35I, its that there aren’t enough of them.
In 2022, it was reported that Israel placed an initial order of 50 aircraft. As of June 2024, however, only 39 were delivered.
The slow delivery of F-35Is is a concern as they may have an impact on the battlefield effectiveness of the IAF in case a larger war breaks out in the region.
Despite the slow delivery rates, the acquisition of the F-35I Adir strengthens Israel’s strategic partnership with the United States.
The collaboration on the F-35 program fosters closer military ties and ensures that Israel remains a key ally in the region. Israel has already demonstrated the combat effectiveness of the F-35I Adir. In May 2018, the IAF became the first air force in the world to use the F-35 in combat, conducting airstrikes in Syria. The aircraft’s performance in these operations has validated its capabilities and reinforced its value to the IAF.
The F-35I Adir is a significant boost to Israel’s aerial capabilities. Its advanced stealth technology, electronic warfare suite, and integration of Israeli-made systems make it a formidable asset for the IAF.
By acquiring the F-35I Adir, Israel ensures that it maintains air superiority, enhances its deterrence and power projection capabilities, and retains a technological edge over its adversaries.
As the IAF continues to expand its fleet of F-35I Adirs, the aircraft will play a crucial role in safeguarding Israel’s national security and maintaining stability in the region.
F-35: A Photo Story
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, lands for the first time at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 7, 2022. The fifth-generation aircraft will be participating in exercise Poseidon’s Rage, in an effort to bolster U.S.-Hellenic readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Tech. Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)
Photo by Amit Agronov via IDF.
F-35I Adir. Image Credit: IDF Flickr Page.
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, conducts flight training operations over the Utah Test and Training Range on Feb 14, 2018. The F-35A is a single-seat, single engine, fifth generation, multirole fighter that’s able to perform ground attack, reconnaissance and air defense missions with stealth capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee)
U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 , Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd MAW, on a Forward Arming and Refueling Point at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Arizona, May 23, 2022. The weapons configuration consists of six inert GBU-12 bombs, four mounted onto the wings and two loaded into the weapons bay, as well as an AIM-9X air-to-air training missile. MAG-13 forces are capable of conducting Offensive Air Support, Antiair Warfare, and Aviation Reconnaissance from expeditionary sites in any clime and place. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz)
Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir stealth multi-role fighter.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
