The Israeli F-35I Adir: cost, capabilities and operational lessons

A long article about Israel’s F-35I Adir: what makes the aircraft different, what it costs, how many Israel plans to field and what public reporting says about its use in regional operations.

What the Adir is

The F-35I Adir is Israel’s customized version of the F-35A, the fifth-generation multirole fighter built by Lockheed Martin. “Adir” means “mighty one,” and the aircraft has become one of the most discussed symbols of Israel’s effort to keep a technological edge in the region. Israel was the first international customer to receive the aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, and the first jets arrived in 2016. The Israeli Air Force declared the fleet operational in 2017 and gradually built several squadrons around Nevatim Air Base.

Capabilities, range and performance

What makes the aircraft attractive is the combination of low observable design, advanced sensors, data fusion and long-range strike potential. Publicly available basic figures for the F-35A family generally point to a top speed of about Mach 1.6, an internal combat radius of roughly 1,000 kilometers and an internal weapons bay designed to preserve stealth. Israel has also invested in local adaptations, mission software and electronic warfare integration. In 2026 the Ministry of Defense announced work on an extended-range capability based on external fuel tanks, a sign that long-distance flexibility remains a strategic priority.

How much it costs

Costs are discussed in several ways. The plain flyaway price of a standard F-35A is often presented in the range of roughly 80–100 million U.S. dollars depending on the production lot, but the real acquisition cost is higher once support, spares, training, infrastructure and Israeli integration are included. A key reference point is the 2024 agreement for a third squadron: 25 additional aircraft plus support and maintenance at a reported value of about 3 billion dollars. Lockheed Martin and Israel’s Ministry of Defense have also said that, once currently signed programs are completed, Israel’s fleet is expected to grow to 75 aircraft.

What public reporting says about operations

The Adir has acquired a reputation far beyond its numbers because it is linked to intelligence-heavy, precision missions. Public reporting over the last several years has described Israeli F-35 activity in multiple theatres, and U.S. congressional research material has noted reported use of the F-35 in operations connected to Syria, Yemen and Iran. Israeli public officials have also tied future procurement decisions to lessons from the confrontation with Iran and to the need for long-range striking power, survivability and better ability to penetrate dense air-defense environments. For Israel, the Adir is not only a fighter jet; it is part of a wider network that includes refueling, intelligence, air defense and command systems.

Selected links and institutions

Note

Figures on price, delivery schedules and exact operational use can change over time. For the most current numbers, readers should consult the Israel Ministry of Defense, Lockheed Martin and official procurement updates.