Key Points: Israel’s specialized F-35I “Adir” stealth fighter reportedly demonstrated exceptional capability by destroying Iranian air defenses from over 100 miles away some months back, according to UK’s defense chief.
-This success is attributed partly to unique Israeli modifications integrated into the Adir variant, particularly advanced, tailored electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to counter specific regional threats.
F-35I Adir. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-These custom EW suites likely allow effective jamming of enemy radar and communications. Combined with the F-35’s inherent strengths in sensing, networking, and stealth, the F-35I Adir provides the Israeli Defense Forces with a potent and uniquely adapted aerial advantage.
The F-35I Looks Unstoppable Now
The United Kingdom’s Chief of Defense Staff, Adm. Tony Raken, said Israel’s F-35I Adir was able to destroy Iranian air defenses from distances as far as 100 miles away months back, demonstrating the range and fidelity of the aircraft’s advanced sensors.
“Israel used more than 100 aircraft, carrying fewer than 100 munitions, and with no aircraft getting within 100 miles of the target in the first wave, and that took down nearly the entirety of Iran’s air-defense system,” Radakin said during a Royal United Services Institute lecture in London, as quoted in a Yahoo news essay.
This is not particularly surprising, as US F-35s were able to “see” and “destroy” groups of 4th-generation fighter targets in the US Air Force’s Red Flag wargame several years ago.
The multi-role F-35 is well known for its sensing and computing and is now flown by at least 18 countries.
Israel’s F-35I Adir
Israel’s F-35I Adir, however, may have in part succeeded against Iran’s air defenses due to its specially configured technologies woven into the IDF variant of the jet.
The “Adir,” as it’s called, is a variant of the F-35 that incorporates specific, Israeli-developed technologies, making it different from the remaining F-35s.
While many features are similar, the F-35I Adir is sure to operate with the universal F-35 datalink called Multifunction Advanced Datalink (MADL).
Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-35I Adir
The IDF F-35 has uniquely integrated EW, sensing, avionics, and targeting technologies, which are tailored to the threat circumstances in the Middle East.
The F-35I Adir is clearly a ‘custom’ F-35 that the U.S. Air Force doesn’t have and for apparent reasons.
Electronic Warfare
For security reasons, the exact specifics of what F-35I Adir technologies result from indigenous Israeli efforts may not be fully known.
Yet, they are generally known to be in electronics, EW, fire control, command and control, and weaponry.
It would make great sense for the IDF to tailor its EW system to specific frequencies, signals, and threats known to exist among Israel’s potential adversaries such as Iran or Hamas.
EW technologies can increasingly be programmed to “deconflict” the electromagnetic spectrum and identify specific “lines-of-bearing” relevant to F-35 defenses.
Once specific frequencies and electronic signatures from particular enemy systems are recognized, they can more effectively be “jammed” by an EW system.
Perhaps some of the best and most compelling aspects of F-35I Adir air combat relate to its EW, as finding and jam or disabling enemy communications, radio, radar, and other systems provides unparalleled advantages in any conflict scenario.
F-35I Adir from Israel. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
EW is also increasingly integrated with advanced software, so while the IDF F-35I EW may differ from the US Air Force’s F-35A, the functionality is likely quite similar.
The F-35A now operates with a BAE-built AN/ASQ-239 EW system, which its developers say introduces 360-degree detection, greater ranges and signal fidelity, and advanced countermeasures.
Advanced EW systems can simultaneously operate on or even jam several different frequencies, accurately discern threats and signals, and enable key countermeasures such as frequency hopping.
Frequency hopping is an interesting technology wherein an EW system is engineered to “counter” a countermeasure.
For instance, perhaps an EW signal or RF-reliant weapons guidance system is jammed or attacked by an enemy; frequency hopping would enable the offensive EW systems to continue to operate by “hopping” to another frequency to avoid interference.
Air Targeting and the F-35I Adir
Yet another key element of F-35I warfare in the Middle East likely pertains to air-targeting.
One key tactical experience realized by both the US Navy and the IDF in the Red Sea is that fighter jets can sometimes be well positioned as targeting “sensors” or aerial surveillance “nodes” in position to detect incoming enemy ballistic and anti-ship missiles.
The sensors on the F-35 not only help with attack and long-range targeting but can operate as a networking sensor node within a more extensive, integrated network system.
In this respect, an Israeli or even US F-35 could use stealth, speed, and altitude to see incoming enemy missiles early in their trajectory, allowing commanders to identify the optimal defense or countermeasure.
About the Author: Kris Osborn
Kris Osborn is the Military Technology Editor of 19FortyFive and President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a highly qualified expert in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.
