Israeli F-35I 'Adir' Makes History by Shooting Down Iranian Jet Over Tehran

Israeli F-35I Records First Combat Kill Against Manned Aircraft Over Tehran

The Israel Defense Forces released compelling video footage on Thursday documenting what officials describe as a landmark moment in modern air warfare — an Israeli F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter successfully shooting down an Iranian air force Yak-130 aircraft over the skies of Tehran.

The clip, dramatically set to the iconic Star Wars theme, captures the pilot's calm confirmation of the engagement: "Completed. Target down. The target is down." The IDF confirmed Wednesday that this aerial engagement represents a defining milestone in the operational history of Israel's advanced F-35 fleet.

Operation Roaring Lion: A Historic Mission

The shoot down took place as part of Operation Roaring Lion, with Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar publicly honoring the pilots responsible for carrying out the mission.

"The historic shoot down over the Tehran skies is a testament to the strength of the Israeli Air Force and to your personal determination," Bar stated. "The war continues — return home safely. Get some rest. The next mission is already waiting for you."

This engagement marks the first time a manned enemy aircraft has been downed by an F-35 in live combat, elevating the aircraft's reputation as a dominant force in fifth-generation air warfare.

Inside Israel's F-35I 'Adir' — A Customized Powerhouse

The F-35I is Israel's uniquely tailored variant of the American-built F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter that serves as the cornerstone of the Israeli Air Force's combat capabilities.

Israel made history in 2010 by becoming the first nation to procure the aircraft through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales process. The country received its inaugural jet in June 2016. The Israeli military assigned the aircraft the Hebrew designation "Adir," translating to "Mighty One" — a name that has now taken on even greater symbolic weight following this historic engagement.

What Is the Yak-130 — Iran's Russian-Built Trainer?

The aircraft on the receiving end of this historic engagement was a Yak-130, a Russian-manufactured, twin-seat combat training jet developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau and produced by United Aircraft Corporation.

The Yak-130 completed its maiden flight in 1996 and remains in active production today. Iran received its first batch of these aircraft in September 2023, according to Press TV, Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster, as part of Tehran's broader initiative to modernize and expand its aging air force.

Iran's Broader Military Modernization Push

In November 2023, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Mahdi Farahi confirmed to Tasnim, a semi-official Iranian news agency, that plans had been finalized to incorporate additional advanced Russian military hardware into the country's armed forces. These acquisitions included Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and further Yak-130 training aircraft.

Iran's relationship with Russian military equipment is long-standing. The country previously acquired MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia during the 1990s, reflecting decades of reliance on Soviet and post-Soviet aviation technology.

A New Chapter in Fifth-Generation Air Combat

This engagement signals a pivotal shift in how advanced stealth aircraft may be deployed in future conflicts. The Israeli Air Force's ability to operate the F-35I deep within hostile airspace — and successfully engage enemy aircraft over an adversary's capital city — underscores the platform's formidable strategic value and Israel's exceptional pilot training standards.