The Israeli Air Force has consistently deployed its well-known and highly specialized F-35I Adir variant, a distinct and specifically modified F-35 tailored by Israel to address known regional threats.
The aircraft has, in recent months, appeared to perform accurately against Hamas and Iran, performing precision strike missions. The Israeli Defense Forces have indigenously built-in adjusted technologies such as separate “jamming pods,” EW weapons systems, guided bombs, and air-to-air missiles.
There are several reasons for this, as the United States and allied-produced F-35s are certainly engineered with a cutting-edge, capable suite of electronic warfare (EW) weaponry.
Perhaps some proprietary Israeli-based EW technologies inspired the Israeli Air Force to integrate its own system and weaponry.
A tailored EW system might make sense for Israel, given the nature of the threats it might be likely to face. For example, many of Israel’s regional threats, such as Iran or militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, would, of course, not present an air threat to Israel in terms of aircraft.
An F-35-armed Israeli Air Force would not need to fight for air supremacy against regional threats. However, it would likely benefit greatly from advanced EW sufficient to jam the electronics and guidance systems of any ground-fired anti-aircraft weapons.
F-35I Adir vs. Regional Threats
Iran, for example, claims to have the ability to intercept, jam, or take down drones with an EW system. The recluse nation shot down a U.S. Navy BAMS-D Global Hawk variant several years ago. When it comes to the realm of EW, many of the specifics are likely not available for security reasons.
Yet, the U.S. F-35 is reported to operate with a highly advanced EW system.
Cutting-edge EW systems can discern and “deconflict” the spectrum to identify hostile or threatening frequencies and RF signatures to establish a “line of bearing” and succeed in jamming or disabling enemy communications or weapons guidance systems.
The F-35A now operates with a BAE-built AN/ASQ-239 EW system, which its developers say introduces 360-degree detection, greater ranges and signal fidelity, and advanced countermeasures. Advanced EW systems can simultaneously operate on or even jam several different frequencies, accurately discern threats and signals, and enable key countermeasures such as frequency hopping.
Frequency hopping is an interesting technology wherein an EW system is engineered to essentially counter a countermeasure.
For instance, perhaps an EW signal or RF-reliant weapons guidance system is jammed or attacked by an enemy. Frequency hopping would enable the offensive EW systems to continue to operate by hopping to another frequency to avoid interference.
Israel likely has its own adaptations of advanced EW technology tailored to the kinds of threats they expect in the region, such as Iranian air defenses or electronic guidance systems used in weapons fired by Israel’s regional adversaries.
More Israeli Adir Fighters Coming Soon
Bulgarianmilitary.com says as many as eight new F-35s are on the way to Israel for the purpose of increasing the IDF fleet and potentially preparing for a larger strike on Iran, according to news cited by the Faytuks Network.
Israel’s F-35I Adir Fighter. Image credit: Creative Commons
“Eight F-35 stealth fighter jets are undergoing final preparations for deployment to Israel next month, an Israeli Air Force official said. The move comes amid reports of a potential strike on Iran.
The jets, part of the ‘Adir’ fleet, will arrive with upgraded software and enhanced operational capabilities, the official added,” Faytuks Network wrote, according to bulgarianmilitary.com.
In 2024, Israel signed a deal with the United States to purchase an additional 25 F-35 stealth fighters for $3 billion, Bulgarianmilitary.com states.
About the Author: Kris Osborn
Kris Osborn is the Military Technology Editor and President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a highly qualified expert in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.
