Israel and the United States modified the F-35 to increase the range of strikes against Iran without loss of stealth

F-35I Adir

Israel, together with the United States, modified the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, adapted for the Israeli Air Force under the designation F-35I Adir. The main feature of the upgrade was an increase in fuel reserves, which allows the aircraft to carry additional fuel for long—range strikes against targets in Iran, while maintaining the key advantage of stealth.

The F-35I Adir is a unique version of the F-35A, equipped with Israeli electronic warfare systems, avionics and integrated weapons of its own production. Modification of the fuel system made it possible to increase the flight range and time spent in the combat zone without the need for external suspensions, which usually worsen the stealth characteristics of the aircraft.

The Israeli Air Force actively uses the F-35I Adir in operations requiring high precision and stealth. The aircraft is capable of striking air, land and sea targets, combining the capabilities of a fighter and a front-line bomber. Thanks to the additional fuel, the F-35I can perform missions over significantly longer distances, which is especially important for operations against Iran.

The F-35I supply program for Israel began in 2016, and by now the country has received about 40 such aircraft. Further expansion of the fighter fleet is planned in the coming years, taking into account constant software updates and the integration of new weapons systems.

Thus, the modification of the F-35I Adir strengthens Israel's strategic capabilities, allowing effective operations in the region while maintaining the advantages of stealth technology.