Three new F-35I “Adir” fighter aircraft arrived at Nevatim Airbase near Beersheva on Sunday, according to the Israel Defense Forces, which shared images and video of the advanced warplanes after landing.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft will be assigned to the 116th and 140th squadrons.
שלושה מטוסי ״אדיר״ (F-35i) חדשים נחתו בבסיס נבטים
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 18, 2026
שלושה מטוסי קרב מסוג F-35i “אדיר”, מתוצרת חברת לוקהיד מרטין, נחתו היום בבסיס חיל האוויר נבטים. המטוסים ייקלטו בטייסת “אריות הדרום” (טייסת 116) ובטייסת “נשר הזהב” (טייסת 140). על גבי המטוסים הוטבע סמל חיל האוויר.
מאז פרוץ המלחמה… pic.twitter.com/X0P54ifayn
Since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7, 2023, the “Adir” fleet has been operating continuously “across a wide range of defensive and offensive missions in all arenas of combat,” the IDF said.
Israel’s military called the new stealth strike fighters a “further enhancement” of the existing array that contributes to the Israeli Air Force’s operational strength.
“Israel recognizes the importance of its defense partnership with the United States, stemming from a commitment to strengthening stability in the Middle East,” the IDF’s statement concluded.
They include Israel-specific provisions. After delivery, the IAF installs or finalizes Israeli electronic warfare and intelligence systems, mission software elements, and integration and certification of Israeli weapons.
