TEL AVIV— Israel has approved a new modification program for its Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir stealth fighter fleet, aiming to increase the aircraft’s operational range through the integration of external fuel tanks.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that the project will be led by Elbit Systems and its Cyclone subsidiary under a contract valued at more than $34 million.
The F-35I Adir, a customized version of the F-35A operated by the Israeli Air Force, has become a key asset in the country’s long-range strike capability.
Israel currently operates 48 F-35I fighters, while additional aircraft remain on order as the country continues expanding its advanced combat fleet.
Fuel Tank Upgrade on the F-35A
According to Israeli defense officials, the project includes the development and integration of external fuel tanks derived from an existing Cyclone design originally created for the F-16 fighter platform.
The modification is expected to improve the aircraft’s endurance and reduce dependence on aerial refueling during extended missions.
Elbit Systems stated that the upgraded capability will provide greater operational flexibility for long-range deployments. The company also noted that the system is intended to support missions requiring longer flight durations across strategically sensitive areas.
The F-35I Adir already differs from standard F-35 variants because it incorporates Israeli-developed electronic warfare systems and locally integrated technologies.
This flexibility has allowed Israel to tailor the aircraft for its own operational requirements while maintaining the stealth characteristics associated with the fifth-generation platform.
Israel’s Regional Security Focus
The decision to enhance the range of the F-35I fleet comes as Israel continues to prioritize deep-strike readiness in the Middle East.
Israeli fighter aircraft have reportedly been involved in operations connected to Iranian military infrastructure and regional security operations over the past year.
Longer operational reach has become increasingly important for the Israeli Air Force as regional tensions continue to shape defense planning.
The ability to conduct extended missions without relying heavily on tanker aircraft could provide operational advantages during high-risk deployments.
Defense analysts have noted that adding external fuel tanks to stealth aircraft can potentially affect radar visibility, although Israeli officials have not disclosed technical details about how the modification may influence the aircraft’s low-observable profile.
The Ministry of Defense has instead focused on the strategic value of increasing combat range and mission endurance.
Israel’s Expanding Fighter Fleet
Israel’s investment in the F-35I program forms part of a broader modernization effort involving both stealth and heavy-strike aircraft.
In June 2024, the country outlined plans for an additional 25 F-35 fighters under a deal valued at approximately $3 billion.
The Israeli Air Force is also preparing for the arrival of Boeing’s F-15IA fighter aircraft, a variant based on the F-15EX Eagle II developed for the United States Air Force.
Washington approved the first batch of 25 F-15IA aircraft under a deal potentially worth $8.6 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031, Flight Global reported.
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