Israel is expected to upgrade its most powerful fighter jet F-35I “Adir”, according to reports. The plan is to extend the range of these fighter jets. Based on F-35A, these fighter jets are now set to get external fuel tanks.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems to develop and integrate an extended-range capability for the F-35 “Adir” fighter aircraft.
The solution builds on an existing Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16, and includes external fuel tanks intended to extend operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and support greater mission flexibility.
Valued at over $34 million, the program is part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness in the years ahead.
The new capability is expected to extend the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and enhance operational flexibility across long-range missions.
This contract is part of the IMOD’s broader force buildup strategy, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, to strengthen Israel’s readiness for an intense security decade ahead and maintain the country’s aerial and strategic superiority in the region.
The F-35I “Adir” is a specially modified version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II developed for the Israeli Air Force. Based on the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing model, the aircraft was adapted to meet Israel’s specific operational and defense requirements.
One of the defining features of the F-35I is its ability to operate with Israeli-made weapons and defense technologies. The aircraft is compatible with several indigenous precision-guided munitions and air-to-air missiles, enhancing its flexibility during combat missions.
These modifications provide Israel with greater independence in maintaining and upgrading the aircraft while improving mission adaptability in regional conflicts. The F-35I also retains the core strengths of the standard F-35 platform, including stealth characteristics, advanced sensor fusion, high-speed performance, and multirole operational capability, according to reports.
Based on the reference to the F-16, the announcement has been widely taken to refer to external drop tanks, but it remains possible, although improbable, that the F-35I is getting some kind of conformal, flush-mounted fuel tank. This could have a reduced impact on stealth and overall performance, but would likely also involve significant shape change and alterations to the airframe, reported The War Zone.
The aircraft has played an important role in strengthening Israel’s aerial superiority and long-range strike capacity. Israel was reportedly the first nation to use the F-35 in actual combat operations, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational readiness and effectiveness in modern warfare environments. The F-35I is considered one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the Middle East because it combines American stealth technology with Israel’s highly specialized defense systems and combat experience.
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