Israel is set to enhance the operational capabilities of its F-35I ‘Adir’ fighter jets by developing a new system to extend their range. This initiative was announced by the Israeli defense ministry on May 14. Although the specific target range has not been disclosed, the current F-35A model boasts a range of approximately 1,200 miles.
Details of the F-35I Range Extension
The upcoming modifications will involve the integration of external fuel tanks. These tanks will be based on the existing Cyclone design from the F-16I “Sufa,” which has a reported range of around 1,300 miles. Elbit Systems has been awarded the development contract for this project, valued at about $34 million (approximately 100 million NIS).
Context of the Announcement
The announcement comes during a delicate ceasefire period between the United States and Iran. This follows the Israeli military operation known as “Lion’s Roar.” In this operation, the Israeli Air Force successfully targeted locations deep within Iran. Notably, an F-35I achieved a historic milestone by scoring the first air-to-air kill attributed to the F-35 in combat, downing an Iranian Yak-130 jet.
Current Fleet and Future Orders
- Israel operates 50 F-35I aircraft distributed across two squadrons.
- The country is receiving delivery of an additional 25 jets ordered in 2023.
- Negotiations are underway for the purchase of another 25 aircraft.
These developments could potentially raise Israel’s F-35I fleet to 100 aircraft and expand the number of operational squadrons to four.
About the F-35I “Adir”
The F-35I is a cutting-edge, fifth-generation stealth fighter designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has been tailored specifically to meet the operational needs of the Israeli Air Force. This aircraft features advanced stealth technologies, comprehensive data fusion capabilities, and the capacity to carry internal weapons. Additionally, it includes Israeli-built systems for electronic warfare, communications, and computing that are seamlessly integrated into American infrastructure.
