Why Israel is adding unique new capabilities to its F-35 combat aircraft fleet
Israel is developing a number of unique capabilities for its F-35 fleet. (Photo: IDF)
In a recent joint exercise with European allies and the US, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) tested some of the modifications made to its F-35 fighter jets to make them more capable in the event of a potential operation against Iran.
March’s Exercise Noble Dina, with participation from Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy and the US, lasted two weeks, taking place in the Mediterranean between the Israeli coast and Crete.
The IAF carried out a ‘great number’ of practice attacks on targets representative of those included in the target bank that Israeli intelligence has been building over the past few years .
Israeli defence
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
AFA 2026: USAF examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.