The contract is fully funded by Israel and is being managed through the Foreign Military Sales process. This arrangement enables Israel, under special approval, to modify standard F-35A Lightning II aircraft into its customised F-35I Adir configuration.
The programme reflects a longstanding approach in which Israeli industry integrates domestic systems into U.S.-supplied combat aircraft. Similar modifications have previously been applied to platforms such as the F-16I Sufa and F-15I Ra’am.
Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will develop three software upgrade packages. These updates are intended to support the continued integration of Israeli-developed onboard systems into the aircraft.
Most of the work, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the contract value, will be carried out in Fort Worth, Texas. The remaining work will take place at an undisclosed location outside the continental United States, likely in Israel.
Israel has so far ordered 75 F-35A aircraft, which are converted into the F-35I Adir variant upon delivery. The fleet is being progressively delivered and has been actively used in operational missions.
The aircraft entered combat service in February 2018. In recent weeks, they have reportedly been deployed in missions over Iran, including an engagement in which an F-35I shot down an Iranian Yak-130 light combat aircraft.
The contract supports ongoing efforts to adapt the platform to specific operational requirements. It also reflects continued cooperation between the United States and Israel in advanced combat aircraft development.
