F-35I
Israeli Air Force variant of the F-35A Lightning II; subject of a $34m range-extension contract awarded to Elbit, May 2026.
Last refreshed: 16 May 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
What is Israel extending the F-35I's range to hit, and does Iran have defences against it?
Timeline for F-35I
Elbit wins $34m F-35I range extension
Iran Conflict 2026- What is the F-35I Adir and how is it different from the standard F-35?
- The F-35I Adir is Israel's customised F-35A variant with Israeli-specific electronic warfare systems, mission computers, and the ability to carry indigenous weapons. Israel is the only F-35 customer permitted to modify the airframe to this extent.Source: Lowdown analysis
- Why is Israel extending the F-35I's range during the Iran conflict?
- Elbit Systems received a $34 million range-extension contract on 14 May 2026, citing 'the active conflict with Iran'. The extension is described as a medium-term adjustment for longer-range strike options, suggesting Israeli planning for strikes at greater depth into Iranian territory.Source: Defense News
- Can Iran shoot down an F-35?
- Iran's air defences — Russian-derived S-300 systems and the domestic Bavar-373 — have not demonstrated reliable capability against stealth fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35I. No confirmed F-35I shootdown has been reported in the 2026 conflict.Source: Lowdown analysis
Background
The F-35I Adir is Israel's customised variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter. Israel negotiated the right to integrate its own electronic warfare systems and indigenous weapons into the airframe — a unique concession from Lockheed and the US government not granted to other F-35 customers. The 'Adir' designation (Hebrew: 'Mighty') distinguishes the Israeli variant, which carries Israeli-specific mission computers, electronic warfare suites, and the ability to carry domestically developed stand-off munitions.
On 14 May 2026, Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems received a $34 million contract to extend the operational range of F-35I Adir aircraft, explicitly citing the active conflict with Iran. Defence News reported the contract as a medium-term force posture adjustment for longer-range strike options. The contract signals Israeli planning for sustained strike capacity against targets at depth — potentially including hardened Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure beyond the unextended aircraft's radius.
Israel operates approximately 50 F-35I aircraft across two squadrons (the 140th 'Golden Eagle' and 116th squadrons), with further deliveries contracted. The F-35I has been used in the Iran conflict for long-range strike missions, benefiting from its stealth characteristics and ability to carry external weapons while maintaining low radar cross-section.
