Israel Completely Overhauls F-35 Fighter Jets to Give Them Greater Capabilities than the Original
TIMEMOMENTS.COM - It is no secret that Israel is one of the most experienced users of F-35 fighter jets today.
In addition, Israel's F-35 fighter jets have capabilities that differ even from F-35 fighter jets in other countries around the world.
According to Warhistory, the F-35I Adir is one of the F-35 variants that will operate with specifications highly customized for foreign countries.
Furthermore, Israel has no hesitation in modifying the aircraft it has received to suit its needs.
For example, in 1981, it equipped the newly acquired F-15A Eagle air superiority fighter jets with bomb-dropping capabilities and used these first-generation Eagles to destroy Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.
According to regulations, Lockheed-Martin generally refuses to make significant country-specific modifications to the F-35.
Despite foreign F-35 operators having contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the aircraft's development.
Of course, there are efficiency reasons, given the additional costs and delays in developing country-specific variants.
Additionally, Lockheed is striving to produce the F-35 quickly and cost-effectively, while also manufacturing sufficient spare parts for the hundreds of units already in operation.
However, Israel managed to secure an exception.
Although not an investor in the F-35's development, Tel Aviv swiftly approved the program with an initial order of fifty units.
Israel also negotiated a favorable deal where the F-35's wings and a set of advanced helmets worth billions of dollars will be produced in Israel, funded with U.S. military aid.
Furthermore, depot-level maintenance will be conducted at facilities operated by Israeli Aeronautics Industries, rather than at Lockheed Martin facilities abroad.
Meanwhile, Israel has recently announced new modifications to the F-35 fighter jet.
According to Defense Security Asia, by July 31, 2025, Israel is preparing for a comprehensive modernization effort, involving hardware and software upgrades.
The fighter jet aims to prepare all global F-35 variants for the future, including the Adir.
Israel's specially modified F-35s undergo two main upgrade phases: Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) and the highly anticipated Block 4 configuration.
Israel, the only operator of fifth-generation fighter jets in the Middle East and one of the most experienced users in combat, stands as one of the primary beneficiaries of these cutting-edge upgrades.
The TR-3 program lays the groundwork by overhauling the F-35's core computing infrastructure, providing a next-generation processing environment capable of supporting the advanced functionality embedded in Block 4.
Israel's Adir squadron, based at Nevatim Air Base, is scheduled to receive the TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades.
This modernization aligns with Israel's strategy to maintain regional air supremacy amid rising tensions with Iran and the evolving threat matrix from Hezbollah and Syria.
These upgrades will be further enhanced by country-specific modifications developed in close partnership between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Lockheed Martin, adjustments that transform the Adir into a uniquely Israeli war machine.
Among these domestic upgrades is the replacement of the standard BAE Systems EW suite with Elbit Systems architecture.
Domestically developed technology enables rapid plug-and-play integration of Israeli sensors, jammers, and countermeasure systems without compromising the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
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In addition, Israel's F-35 fighter jets have capabilities that differ even from F-35 fighter jets in other countries around the world.
According to Warhistory, the F-35I Adir is one of the F-35 variants that will operate with specifications highly customized for foreign countries.
Furthermore, Israel has no hesitation in modifying the aircraft it has received to suit its needs.
For example, in 1981, it equipped the newly acquired F-15A Eagle air superiority fighter jets with bomb-dropping capabilities and used these first-generation Eagles to destroy Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.
According to regulations, Lockheed-Martin generally refuses to make significant country-specific modifications to the F-35.
Despite foreign F-35 operators having contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the aircraft's development.
Of course, there are efficiency reasons, given the additional costs and delays in developing country-specific variants.
Additionally, Lockheed is striving to produce the F-35 quickly and cost-effectively, while also manufacturing sufficient spare parts for the hundreds of units already in operation.
However, Israel managed to secure an exception.
Although not an investor in the F-35's development, Tel Aviv swiftly approved the program with an initial order of fifty units.
Israel also negotiated a favorable deal where the F-35's wings and a set of advanced helmets worth billions of dollars will be produced in Israel, funded with U.S. military aid.
Furthermore, depot-level maintenance will be conducted at facilities operated by Israeli Aeronautics Industries, rather than at Lockheed Martin facilities abroad.
Meanwhile, Israel has recently announced new modifications to the F-35 fighter jet.
According to Defense Security Asia, by July 31, 2025, Israel is preparing for a comprehensive modernization effort, involving hardware and software upgrades.
The fighter jet aims to prepare all global F-35 variants for the future, including the Adir.
Israel's specially modified F-35s undergo two main upgrade phases: Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) and the highly anticipated Block 4 configuration.
Israel, the only operator of fifth-generation fighter jets in the Middle East and one of the most experienced users in combat, stands as one of the primary beneficiaries of these cutting-edge upgrades.
The TR-3 program lays the groundwork by overhauling the F-35's core computing infrastructure, providing a next-generation processing environment capable of supporting the advanced functionality embedded in Block 4.
Israel's Adir squadron, based at Nevatim Air Base, is scheduled to receive the TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades.
This modernization aligns with Israel's strategy to maintain regional air supremacy amid rising tensions with Iran and the evolving threat matrix from Hezbollah and Syria.
These upgrades will be further enhanced by country-specific modifications developed in close partnership between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Lockheed Martin, adjustments that transform the Adir into a uniquely Israeli war machine.
Among these domestic upgrades is the replacement of the standard BAE Systems EW suite with Elbit Systems architecture.
Domestically developed technology enables rapid plug-and-play integration of Israeli sensors, jammers, and countermeasure systems without compromising the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
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