F-35i Adir FighterJets have expanded the Israel Air Force fleet after three new aircraft landed at Nevatim Air Force Base, reinforcing Israel’s frontline combat aviation during a period of sustained operations.
The Israel Air Force confirmed that three newly manufactured F-35i Adir fighter jets arrived at Nevatim Air Force Base today. The aircraft were built by Lockheed Martin and delivered as part of Israel’s ongoing F-35 procurement program with the United States.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The jets will be assigned to two frontline units, the Southern Lions Squadron (116 Squadron) and the Golden Eagle Squadron (140 Squadron). Upon arrival, the aircraft received the Israel Air Force emblem, marking their formal induction into operational service.
The F-35i Adir is Israel’s customized version of the F-35A Lightning II. It integrates Israeli-developed systems for command and control, electronic warfare, and weapons integration, while retaining the core stealth, sensor fusion, and networked combat capabilities of the baseline aircraft. These modifications allow the Israel Air Force to adapt the platform to regional operational requirements.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the Adir fleet has been operating continuously since the outbreak of the current conflict, conducting both defensive and strike missions across multiple theaters. Missions have included air defense, intelligence support, and precision strike operations, highlighting the aircraft’s multirole flexibility.
The delivery of additional F-35i Adir fighter jets is intended to maintain sortie capacity and operational readiness during an extended period of high operational tempo. Israeli defense officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of sustaining fleet size and availability as missions continue across different fronts.
Israel’s F-35 program is closely tied to its long-standing security partnership with the United States. Lockheed Martin produces the aircraft in the U.S., while the program is supported through Foreign Military Financing and long-term defense cooperation agreements. Israeli officials have stated that the partnership plays a key role in preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge and contributing to regional stability.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Nevatim Air Force Base serves as the main hub for Israel’s F-35i operations and training. The base supports multiple Adir squadrons and associated maintenance and mission planning infrastructure, making it central to Israel’s fifth-generation air combat capability.
With these latest arrivals, Israel continues the gradual expansion of its F-35i Adir force, which remains one of the most operationally active F-35 fleets worldwide.
