Has Israel’s F-35 fleet been modified to reach Iran without refueling?

Considering the extent of Israel’s strikes in Iran, aviation experts are questioning the true capacity of some of Israel’s F-35 jets.

The unprecedented exchange of violence between Israel and Iran is only heating up. Following the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) initial strikes targeting Tehran’s nuclear-related assets, tit-for-tat barrages have culminated in destruction. Israel’s top-tier air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, Arrow 2/3, and David’s Sling apparatuses, are arguably playing the most critical role in the war. However, when it comes to offensive strikes, the Israeli Air Force’s fleet of F-35I Adir fighters takes the cake.

Introducing the Israeli F-35 Adir

When Israel first acquired the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in the early 2010s, it became the first nation outside of the platform’s codevelopment group to receive a specially modified version of the infamous aircraft. Designated in Israel as the “Adir” or “Mighty One,” the one-of-a-kind platform has remained in operation since 2017. What makes the Adir unique is the slew of domestically-produced features. The Israeli fighter is equipped with a homegrown electronic warfare system, which gives it an edge compared to its counterparts. Additionally, the Adir features Israeli-made helmet-mounted displays and other unique data-gathering and processing functions.

Unlike other F-35 Lightning II jets flown, the Israeli F-35 Adirs are capable of being externally modified by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The IAF’s access to the platform’s advanced digital architecture, including its electronic warfare, communications systems, mission control hardware, and surveillance suite, gives the service greater flexibility concerning its F-35 fleets. In terms of ordnance, the Adir can inflict serious damage on its targets. Each jet features the AIM9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, making it exceptionally lethal.

Have Secret Modifications Been Made?

When it comes to top speed and range, the Adir can reach Mach 1.6 (times the speed of sound) and targets over 1,350 miles away. However, the platform’s ongoing performance in Iran has analysts speculating whether or not the Israeli jet has been modified to be able to fly longer distances without refueling. Since the IAF only possesses seven Boeing 707 refueling tankers, the Adirs’ capacity to strike deep within Iranian territory is limited. Considering the extent of Israel’s strikes in Iran, it makes sense that aviation experts are questioning the true capacity of some of the IAF’s jets. Israeli officials have been open previously about the country’s desire to implement modifications of their Adir jets in order to extend range capabilities. Potential add-ons like more fuel tanks could explain how these fighters have been able to maintain strike capabilities deep within Iran. As detailed by The Aviationist, “In 2022 the Israeli Air Force made claims that its F-35 fleet was now capable of reaching Iran without refueling. It made no clarifying statements at the time about how exactly they had achieved this.”