TEL AVIV- An Israeli Air Force stealth fighter, the F-35I Adir, shot down an Iranian Yakovlev Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran (IKA) during ongoing strikes linked to Operation Epic Fury. The aircraft involved included the F-35I Adir operated by Israel and the Yak-130 used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
The engagement marks the first time in history that an F-35 stealth fighter has destroyed a manned aircraft in air-to-air combat, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The incident occurred as Israel expanded aerial strikes across Iran five days into the military campaign.
Historic First Air-to-Air Victory for the F-35
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that an Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir stealth fighter intercepted and destroyed an Iranian Yak-130 jet during a combat engagement over Tehran.
Military officials described the event as a historic milestone for the F-35 platform, which had previously only destroyed unmanned aerial vehicles and drones in combat situations. The Israeli-modified F-35 variant, known as Adir, which means Mighty One in Hebrew, is based on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II but includes Israeli avionics and electronic warfare systems.
The downed Yak-130, a Russian-designed advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force and is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles such as the R-73.
Israeli officials confirmed the interception occurred during broader Israeli strikes targeting military infrastructure across the Iranian capital.
Israeli Air Campaign Expands Under Operation Epic Fury
The shootdown took place during large-scale Israeli and United States operations against Iranian military targets.
Israeli forces reported that command centers belonging to Iranian security forces were struck overnight in Tehran and several other cities. Some of the targets were associated with the Basij paramilitary organization, which operates under Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Dozens of munitions were reportedly used in the strikes, producing large explosions and fires in parts of the city.
Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the campaign is expected to continue for several weeks, though ground forces are not currently planned.
First Manned Air Combat Kill by Israel in Four Decades
The incident also marks the first confirmed Israeli air-to-air shootdown of a manned aircraft in more than 40 years.
The last recorded event occurred on November 24, 1985, when an Israeli F-15 fighter shot down two Syrian MiG-23 aircraft during fighting connected to the conflict in Lebanon.
The latest engagement highlights the operational capability of the F-35I Adir, which Israel considers a central component of its long-range strike and air superiority strategy.
Wider Regional Escalation and Military Deployments
The air engagement comes amid escalating military activity across the Middle East.
A suspected Iranian drone strike hit the US Embassy compound in Riyadh (RUH) earlier in the week, causing structural damage but no reported injuries. Embassy personnel were instructed to shelter in place.
Another drone attack targeted the US Consulate in Dubai (DXB), igniting a fire in a nearby parking area. Local authorities confirmed that the blaze was contained and no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, the United States has deployed more than 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and additional bombers as part of Operation Epic Fury.
US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper described the buildup as the largest US military deployment in the Middle East in a generation, aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten American forces and regional allies.
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