F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter that serves as the cornerstone of Israeli aerial superiority and a central factor in the shifting strategic balance of the Middle East.
The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter, designed to perform ground attack and air superiority missions with integrated sensors and low-observable technology. For Israel, which was the first country outside the United States to operate the aircraft (locally designated as the 'Adir'), the platform is not merely a weapon system but a strategic deterrent. It ensures the Israel Air Force (IAF) can operate in contested environments, including those protected by advanced Russian-made air defense systems like the S-300 and S-400.
Recently, the F-35 has moved to the center of regional diplomatic and security discourse due to potential sales to other Middle Eastern powers. In September 2026, the US State Department cleared a landmark $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. This move follows years of deliberation regarding the preservation of Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME), a legal and strategic requirement for the U.S. to ensure Israel maintains a decisive military advantage over any regional adversary or coalition.
Simultaneously, the prospect of Turkey returning to the F-35 program has emerged as a point of friction. Turkey was expelled from the program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian S-400 system, but recent signals from the Trump administration suggest a potential reversal. Israeli security officials have expressed concern that widespread proliferation of the F-35 in the region—particularly to nations with complex or shifting loyalties—could erode the IAF's absolute air superiority.
Security concerns have also expanded beyond regional proliferation to global intelligence risks. In late September 2026, reports emerged that sensitive F-35 components were mistakenly routed to Hong Kong and subsequently reached the Chinese government. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the global supply chain of the world's most sophisticated fighter jet and the persistent efforts by adversarial powers like China to acquire its proprietary technology. As the 'Adir' continues to spearhead Israeli operations against Iranian-backed threats, its role as a regional gatekeeper of power remains paramount.