TEL AVIV (Realist English). Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced on 14 May the development of a new system designed to increase the operational range of the F-35I “Adir” (“Mighty One”) fighter jet.
The approximately $34 million (100 million shekels) development contract was awarded to Elbit Systems. Officials did not specify how much the aircraft’s range would increase.
The baseline F-35A model, on which the Israeli version is based, has a stated combat range of approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 km). By comparison, Israel’s F-16I “Sufa”, equipped with external fuel tanks, can fly up to 1,300 miles (2,090 km).
According to the Ministry of Defense, the project will be based on the existing design of external fuel tanks produced by Cyclone for the F-16I “Sufa”. The tanks will now be adapted for use on the F-35I.
Military context: Operation “Lion’s Roar” and the first aerial victory
The decision to upgrade the aircraft comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and roughly one month after Israel’s military operation “Lion’s Roar”, during which the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes deep inside Iranian territory.
It was during that operation that the F-35I reportedly achieved the first combat air-to-air kill ever attributed to an F-35 fighter jet, shooting down an Iranian Yak-130 trainer aircraft of Russian design, which Iran had also been using in a light attack role.
Expanding the F-35I fleet: from 50 to 100 aircraft
Israel currently operates 50 F-35I aircraft across two squadrons. The country has already begun receiving an additional 25 jets ordered in 2023.
Earlier this month, Israeli officials also announced negotiations for the purchase of another 25 aircraft.
If completed, Israel’s total F-35I fleet would reach 100 aircraft, expanding the Israeli Air Force to four F-35 squadrons.
The F-35I “Adir” is a fifth-generation fighter produced by Lockheed Martin. The Israeli version incorporates domestically developed electronic warfare systems, communications equipment and mission-computing suites produced by Elbit Systems and integrated into the American platform.
The aircraft combines stealth technology, advanced sensor fusion and the ability to carry weapons internally.
Preparing for long-range operations against Iran
The decision to extend the F-35I’s range is widely viewed as direct evidence that Israel is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Iran that could require strikes against targets located far beyond Israel’s borders.
External fuel tanks are generally avoided on stealth aircraft because they reduce radar invisibility. In this case, however, Israel appears willing to sacrifice part of the aircraft’s stealth profile in exchange for greater strategic reach.
The $34 million contract with Elbit Systems represents only a small portion of the broader military expenditures Israel appears prepared to undertake in order to maintain its military superiority in the region.