How the F-35I reshaped air supremacy in the US–Israel campaign against Iran

Every nation has its icons.

For Israel, some are human: soldiers, scientists, statesmen. Others are technological marvels that quietly stand guard over the nation’s survival. Iron Dome is one. Arrow is another. David’s Sling belongs on that list too.

But today, I want to talk about a different kind of guardian – not a shield, but a sword.

If Israel’s multilayered defense system is the kingdom’s armor, the F-35I is the crown jewel of its striking power – the aircraft that ensures the Jewish state does not merely defend itself but can reach far beyond its borders when necessary.

I have long had a soft spot for Israel’s defense technologies. Some time ago, I wrote about what I called the “kings” of Israel’s multilayer missile defense architecture – the systems that intercept rockets and missiles before they can harm Israeli civilians.

But the other day, while reflecting on the Israeli Air Force and its extraordinary evolution, I realized there was one king I had not yet properly saluted.

The F-35I Adir – the Mighty One.

And what a mighty one it has proven to be.

I remember vividly the images from December 12, 2016.

Two sleek aircraft descended through the desert darkness toward Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel. Their arrival had been delayed by weather in Italy, but when they finally touched down, the atmosphere was electric.

Israel had just become the first country outside the United States to receive the fifth-generation stealth fighter.

That fact alone carried enormous significance.

Israel had beaten major NATO allies – including some of America’s closest European partners – to become the first operational foreign operator of the F-35. It was a testament not only to the trust between Washington and Jerusalem, but also to Israel’s reputation as a military innovator capable of integrating and improving cutting-edge technologies.

At the ceremony that evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – himself a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces – captured the moment perfectly.

“Our long arm has now become longer and mightier,” he declared. It was a simple sentence. But it........

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