Israeli Air Force deploys F-35I Adir fighter fleet in Operation Roaring Lion amid pngoing strikes on targets in Iran

Unlike standard F-35A jets produced for the United States and other countries, the F-35I is equipped with selected Israeli-made systems, including advanced self-defense systems. It is also capable of carrying Israeli weapons, such as air-to-air missiles and guided bombs.

Israel joined the fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter program in 2003 as a Security Cooperation Participant. This status meant it did not take part directly in design and research work but was kept informed about the program’s progress.

In 2008, the Israeli government requested approval from the U.S. administration to purchase 25 F-35I aircraft, with an option for 50 more. On September 16, 2010, it decided to acquire the first batch of 19 aircraft, and the intergovernmental agreement was signed on October 7 of the same year.

A second agreement for 14 aircraft, with an option for 17 more, was concluded in February 2015. In August 2017, Israel exercised the option and ordered the additional 17 jets, bringing the total number of F-35I aircraft ordered to 50.

The ceremonial roll-out of the first F-35I took place on June 22, 2016, at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Its maiden flight followed on July 25, and the first two aircraft arrived at Nevatim Air Base on December 12 that year.

The Israeli Air Force declared Initial Operational Capability on December 6, 2017. In early February 2018, Lockheed Martin received a contract to modify the F-35I avionics software to the Block 3F+ standard, taking into account Israeli electronic equipment and weapons.

To date, the Israeli Air Force has received all F-35I aircraft ordered between 2010 and 2017. Beginning in 2017, the aircraft were assigned to the 140th Squadron “Golden Eagles,” followed in 2020 by the 116th Squadron “Lions of the South.”

In July 2021, the 117th Squadron “First Jet” was reactivated as an operational training unit using aircraft from both operational squadrons. All three squadrons are based at Nevatim Air Base.

In early July 2023, reports indicated that the Israeli government approved the purchase of an additional 25 F-35I aircraft. This would increase the total fleet to 75 and enable the full re-equipment of a third operational squadron.

Israeli media reported on June 4, 2024, that the intergovernmental agreement had been signed. The transaction, valued at approximately $3 billion, will be largely financed through the U.S. military aid fund for allies, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.

On May 22, 2018, the Commander of the Israeli Air Force announced that the F-35I had carried out its first combat missions, most likely targeting Iranian missile launcher positions and weapons depots in Syria. Israeli F-35I aircraft thus became the first of their type in the world to take part in real combat operations.

Since then, the aircraft have been regularly used to strike targets in Syria and Lebanon. In June 2025, they participated in attacks on Iran and, since February 28 of this year, have been involved in Operation “Roaring Lion,” another series of strikes on targets in Iran.