By: Fern Sidman

In a significant enhancement to its aerial combat capabilities, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) on Thursday night received three additional F-35i “Adir” stealth fighter jets, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and reported by The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). The aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States, touched down at Nevatim Air Force Base, located near Beersheva, where they will immediately be integrated into Israel’s frontline operations.

The arrival of these fifth-generation jets—renowned for their stealth technology, advanced avionics, and versatility in both air superiority and strike missions—brings the total number of F-35is in Israel’s arsenal to 45, marking another milestone in the country’s continued military modernization.

As reported by JNS on Friday, the newly arrived aircraft will join the IAF’s elite 140th “Golden Eagle” Squadron, which has played a central role in Israel’s ongoing “Swords of Iron” war, launched in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led terrorist onslaught against Israeli civilians. In the IDF’s own words, the squadron has been operating “under unprecedented pressure,” conducting offensive and defensive missions across multiple operational theaters.

The IDF underscored the strategic impact of the new aircraft, stating: “The addition of the new aircraft strengthens operational continuity and expands the Air Force’s ability to handle a wide range of threats—with precision, speed and depth.”

These enhancements are especially critical given the evolving nature of the threats Israel faces from Iran-backed militias, long-range missile attacks, and the multi-front threat environment in the region, including in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.

The F-35i “Adir”, a uniquely modified version of the F-35A tailored specifically for Israel, includes custom Israeli avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry integration. According to previous JNS reporting, Israel is the only country authorized by the U.S. to independently modify its F-35 fleet, allowing the IAF to adapt the aircraft for mission-specific demands and integrate it seamlessly into Israel’s existing command-and-control architecture.

This level of customization gives the IAF a critical edge in intelligence gathering, cyber warfare, and real-time target acquisition, key elements in both preemptive strikes and defensive maneuvers.

Thursday’s delivery is part of Israel’s initial procurement deal of 50 F-35 aircraft, a purchase that began delivery in 2016. In a significant development reported by JNS, the Israeli government finalized an agreement in June 2024 to acquire an additional 25 F-35s, which will bring the future fleet to 75 aircraft.

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, delivery of this second batch is expected to begin in 2028, at a pace of three to five aircraft per year. This gradual scaling of capability is in line with Israel’s broader defense planning and long-term strategy to maintain regional air dominance, especially in light of Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria and the increasingly sophisticated weaponry in the hands of Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies.

As the JNS report noted, the timing of these aircraft arrivals is particularly crucial. With the Swords of Iron war still ongoing, and Israel facing the constant threat of rocket fire and terrorist infiltration, the introduction of advanced aircraft serves as both a tactical reinforcement and a symbolic message to its adversaries.

The F-35i’s role in Israel’s integrated defense doctrine cannot be overstated. Capable of executing deep-strike operations, suppressing enemy air defenses, and operating in contested electronic environments, the Adir is a force multiplier that enhances the IAF’s ability to neutralize threats before they can reach Israeli population centers.

With 45 F-35i aircraft now in service and 30 more set to arrive over the coming years, Israel is poised to solidify its status as the most advanced air power in the Middle East. As the JNS report indicated, this expansion is not merely about acquiring state-of-the-art hardware—it is about adapting to a new era of asymmetric warfare, cyber threats, and hybrid battlefields where stealth, speed, and precision determine outcomes.

In a region increasingly dominated by uncertainty, Israel’s investment in the F-35 program—and the strengthening of its 140th Squadron—demonstrates its unwavering commitment to defending its citizens, deterring its enemies, and maintaining strategic superiority well into the future