Iranian media reported that Tuesday’s missile attack targeted several key Israeli airbases. Numerous reports claim that “up to 20 F-35 stealth fighters at Israel’s Nevatim Air Base were destroyed.” These claims appear to be Iranian propaganda, aiming to influence public opinion and exaggerate the success of its strikes. However, this information has not been officially confirmed as of now.
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Social media is awash with videos showing Iranian missiles impacting specific locations in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. Those sharing the footage claim these are direct strikes on Israeli airbases. The IDF has yet to comment on the “strange claim,” but Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the significant attacks against the country on its Twitter/X handle.
Nevatim Air Base is home to the Israeli Air Force’s two squadrons of fifth-generation F-35 fighters and was set to receive a third squadron in the future. Iranian media sources allege that the base was “completely destroyed” in the attack.
This is a unique stealth fighter exclusively operated by Israel, not even flown by the US. It’s a single-engine, single-pilot aircraft initially crafted for the American military, but Israel has significantly enhanced its capabilities. Yes, we’re talking about the F-35I Adir.
Although unsubstantiated reports are claiming up to 20 F-35 fighter jets were destroyed in Iranian strikes against Israel, these stealth fighters remain the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]. The F-35I, dubbed “Adir” by the Israeli Air Force, which means “mighty,” is an Israeli-customized version of the F-35 Lightning II.
In a recent development, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri informed Press TV that Iranian forces targeted several key Israeli military sites in an attack they have named “Operation True Promise II.” The attack, which took place on Tuesday night, reportedly hit the Nevatim Air Base, the Netzarim Military Facility, and the Tel Nof Intelligence Department. Notably, the Nevatim Air Base is known to house Israel’s advanced F-35 fighter jets.
Responding to the assault, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled Iran’s missile attack as a “big mistake” and vowed that Tehran would face repercussions. “Iran made a big mistake today and will pay for it. The Iranian regime does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to take revenge on our enemies,” he asserted.
The F-35I Adir, a specialized variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, is a state-of-the-art, fifth-generation multirole fighter. It’s designed for a range of missions, including ground attack, air superiority, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR].
This aircraft boasts a single-engine design with stealth technology that significantly minimizes its radar signature. This advantage allows it to operate in highly contested environments without detection. Additionally, it features advanced avionics, including a cutting-edge electronic warfare [EW] system and a sophisticated sensor suite, which enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
A standout characteristic of the F-35I Adir is its ability to integrate Israeli-developed systems and countermeasures. Notably, this aircraft is equipped with a homegrown electronic warfare system, crafted by Israeli firms such as Elbit Systems, empowering it to effectively jam enemy radar and missile guidance systems.
These customizations provide the Adir with enhanced capabilities to counter advanced enemy air defenses and execute operations with remarkable precision. Furthermore, the aircraft includes helmet-mounted displays that supply pilots with crucial flight data and target information, enabling them to engage targets effectively regardless of the aircraft’s orientation.
When it comes to performance, the F-35I Adir is nothing short of impressive. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.6 [approximately 1,200 miles per hour] and boasting a combat radius of over 600 nautical miles, this aircraft can strike deep within enemy territory without the need for aerial refueling.
Equipped to carry an assortment of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and air-to-air missiles, the F-35I maintains its stealth profile by utilizing its internal hardpoints. Its advanced networking capabilities allow it to share real-time data with other aircraft and command centers, making it an invaluable asset in modern aerial combat scenarios.
Operational since 2017, the F-35I Adir has already proven its mettle in various missions, showcasing its capabilities in real-world combat. For Israel, acquiring the F-35I has been a game-changer, significantly enhancing its air force with unmatched technological prowess in the region. With its blend of stealth, advanced sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities, the F-35I Adir is crucial for maintaining Israel’s air superiority and bolstering its defense strategies.
Although neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has confirmed Iran’s claims of destroyed F-35s, if verified, it would mark a crucial development in limiting Israel’s capacity for further escalations. Israel does have an additional squadron of F-35s on order, but due to serious production delays, which are operating significantly below original projections, there’s a substantial delivery backlog. Consequently, Israel is not expected to start receiving these newly ordered fighters until 2028.
Footage from Israel has revealed that dozens of ballistic missiles have struck various targets, including the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency. Israel’s air defense network struggled to intercept these missiles. According to sources, an Iranian missile created a large crater near Mossad headquarters. Some reports suggest that the facility itself sustained damage. CNN Obacha, using its geolocation tools, determined that the missile, apparently targeting Mossad headquarters, landed three kilometers away.
The operation, known as True Promise 2, comes after a year of growing tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv. This long-anticipated retaliatory strike follows an Israeli attack on Tehran on July 31. Prior reports indicated that Iran had agreed not to respond militarily if Israel de-escalated its actions, including halting its invasion and intense bombing of Lebanon and ceasing the assassination of leaders from the Iranian-backed militia group Hezbollah. This was seen as a violation of that agreement.
Israeli and Western officials are underscoring the necessity of a robust response to Iran. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan remarked, “There will be serious consequences for Iran as a result of this attack, and we will work with Israel to ensure that happens.”
The Israel Defense Forces pledged a response that “will be seen by the entire Middle East,” with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz calling for the “free world” to support Israel, signaling expected backing from Western nations. Concurrently, influential U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham urged President Joe Biden to authorize retaliatory strikes on Iranian oil refineries.
This Iranian strike highlighted significant vulnerabilities within Israel’s air defense network, despite it being among the most advanced worldwide. Reports from Israeli media indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers had to seek refuge in a fortified underground site in Jerusalem, while massive explosions were felt in Tel Aviv, according to Western correspondents.
The current condition of Israel’s fighter fleet remains uncertain. With the reported destruction of Nevatim Air Base and additional losses of F-15s at Hatzerim Air Base, the country’s air defense capabilities appear compromised. Unverified reports also suggest previous minor losses following increased rocket artillery and Hezbollah attacks on facilities such as Ramat David Air Base.
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