What You Need to Know: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) recently conducted “Operation Day of Repentance” over Iran, targeting military assets near Tehran and Karaj. In a display of air dominance, Israel deployed its F-16s, F-15s, and the specialized F-35I “Adir” stealth fighters, with the Adir playing a crucial role due to its unique electronic warfare capabilities tailored for Israel’s needs.

-Designed by Lockheed Martin specifically for Israel, the F-35I features domestically developed countermeasures to address threats from regional proxies.

-The operation marked another milestone for the F-35I Adir, further establishing it as a key player in Israel's defensive and offensive strategies.

Israel’s F-35I Adir Leads “Day of Repentance” Strikes Over Iran

Last week, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a daring operation over Iran amidst escalating tensions in the region. Following the offensive mission targeting Tehran and the strategically important Karaj, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) released images of some of its fighter jets returning home. An assortment of the Jewish state’s top-tier platforms participated in the strike, including F-16s, F-15s, and F-35s. While all three of these American-designed fighters provide unique capabilities to the Israeli Air Force, the specialized F-35I “Adir” variant is particularly menacing.

IDF spokespeople confirmed that the Air Force strictly targeted military assets in Iran, purposely avoiding nuclear and oil-related sites to quell a wider escalation in the conflict. The F-35I platform played a leading role in the operation “Day of Repentance,” which was expected considering the breadth of the platform’s capabilities. 

Following the operation, IDF Spokesperson R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that “The IDF is fully prepared for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, monitoring Iran and its proxies closely.” 

He also urged, “continued vigilance and adherence to Home Front Command instructions, with updates to follow immediately on any changes.”

Introducing the F-35I Adir

Israel’s truly one-of-a-kind F-35 variant single-handedly ensures air superiority over the country’s region. When the “Mighty One” platform was first procured by Israel back in 2010, it became the first country outside of the Joint Strike Fighter’s nine-nation co-development group to acquire the fighter. Lockheed Martin agreed to develop a specially modified F-35 for Israel to fulfill its distinct security needs.

The Adir is uniquely fitted with a domestically-produced electronic warfare system. Israeli companies developed the countermeasures and sensors which are incorporated into the platform, in addition to helmet-mounted displays and other data-gathering and processing capabilities.  Since the Jewish state is frequently threatened by regional proxy groups such as the Gaza-based Hamas, Yemen-based Houthi, and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants, the tailored electronic warfare system (EWS) featured on the Adir is essential for securing its borders.

The F-35I Adir’s Service History

Israel’s success with the F-35 platform in fighting these Iranian-backed groups has been proven previously. Last year, the IDF said that it used its Adir fleet to take down a cruise missile in the platform’s first recorded missile intercept. The F-35Is are equipped with the AIM9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, making them exceptionally lethal. The Adir platform also achieved the Joint Strike Fighter’s first recorded kill back in 2021, when it took down a pair of Iranian-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In April, Iran launched its first direct bombardment of missiles and drones towards Israel following an escalation in tensions. The Adir was instrumental in thwarting the attack. According to reports, this platform played a critical role in carrying out both defensive and offensive missions by striking Hezbollah’s military outposts and many of the projectiles launched toward the country.

Following the IDF’s most recent Operation Day of Repentance, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei downplayed the mission and promised that Israel would be mistaken if they believed Tehran would not retaliate. One thing is for sure, the IAF will undoubtedly deploy its Adir fighters as part of any future operations targeting Iran.

About the Author: Maya Carlin, Defense Expert  

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

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