The Israel Defense Forces said its F-35I “Adir” fighter jet shot down an Iranian YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran, marking the first reported air-to-air kill by an F-35. Explosions continued across Iran’s capital as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified.
Israel Says ‘Adir’ Jet Downs Iranian Fighter in First-Ever F-35 Air Kill
Jerusalem: Israel has made a significant claim amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its F-35I Adir fighter jet shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran. According to the IDF, this is the first time in history that an F-35 fighter jet has targeted a manned fighter jet in the air.
The IDF confirmed this action in a post on the social media platform X.
🛩️IRANIAN JET SHOT DOWN: An IAF F-35I “Adir” fighter jet shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet.
This is the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 “Adir” fighter jet.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 4, 2026
The F-35I Adir is a specialized version of the F-35 manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin, which Israel uses to suit its own needs. It is considered one of the world's most advanced stealth fighter jets. Its design, internal sensor system, sophisticated weapons, and low radar detection (low observability) capability make it extremely lethal.
Loud explosions were heard in Tehran on the fifth day of the war. According to Iranian state TV, explosions occurred in several parts of the capital early in the morning. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its air defense system acted to intercept missiles fired from Iran. Explosions were also heard around Jerusalem. The conflict escalated following US-Israeli attacks that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to reports, nearly 800 people have died in Iran in five days. US President Donald Trump has indicated that the war could last a month or more.
Meanwhile, attacks are continuing in Lebanon. Israel said it is retaliating against Iran-backed Hezbollah. At least four people were reportedly killed in an attack on a residential building in the Lebanese city of Baalbek.
The IDF also claimed to have carried out airstrikes on Basij and internal security command centers in Tehran, targets used by the Iranian regime to maintain control over the country. Missile launchers and other military installations were also targeted.
This escalating conflict in the Middle East is posing a serious challenge to the stability of the entire region.
