The contract was signed through the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Defence Procurement Directorate with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems. The programme includes development work based on an existing Cyclone external fuel tank design originally created for the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
According to the ministry, the additional fuel tanks are expected to extend the operational range of the F-35I Adir while reducing reliance on aerial refuelling aircraft. The programme is also intended to improve operational flexibility during long-range missions.
The ministry stated that the initiative forms part of a broader Israeli force build-up strategy led by Israel Katz and Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram. According to the statement, the strategy is designed to strengthen Israel’s readiness for what officials described as an intense security decade ahead while maintaining the country’s aerial and strategic superiority in the region.
Cyclone manufactures several types of external fuel tanks, including conformal fuel tanks for combat aircraft. According to the ministry, Israeli-developed aviation solutions are certified through cooperation with major U.S. aerospace manufacturers, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The ministry also indicated that efforts to increase the operational range of the F-35I Adir may reflect operational lessons learned from combat activities involving Iran, where Israel has used the aircraft extensively. Israeli-developed modifications for the F-35 Lightning II programme could potentially be adopted by other international operators in the future.
Israel has ordered 75 F-35I Adir aircraft from the United States to date. According to the ministry, an additional order for 25 aircraft is expected in the coming months alongside a second batch of F-15IA Eagle II combat aircraft.
