116th Squadron Expands Its Fleet with Advanced Stealth Jets
Israel’s air dominance has taken another leap forward with the arrival of three new F-35I “Adir” fighter jets at the 116th Squadron, “Lions of the South,” based at Nevatim Airbase. This marks a significant reinforcement of the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) operational capabilities, ensuring that Israel continues to maintain its aerial superiority in the Middle East.
The new aircraft, an upgraded version of the F-35I produced by Lockheed Martin, have undergone meticulous inspection, modification, and integration to meet Israel’s unique security needs. With their arrival, the IAF not only enhances its deterrence capabilities but also solidifies its technological edge over regional adversaries.
Preparing for the Arrival
Absorbing new fighter jets into an active squadron is no simple task. For months, the technical team at the 116th Squadron has been preparing for this moment.
“Since February, we’ve been conducting in-depth training sessions on every aspect of the upgraded Adir, from electrical systems to avionics and structural modifications,” said Lt. A, the squadron’s maintenance officer. “We analyzed every small change, ensuring that our technical crews were ready to handle the latest advancements.”
One of the first steps upon arrival was the symbolic marking of the aircraft, as the squadron’s emblem and the Israeli Air Force insignia were carefully stamped onto the tail of each jet. This moment signifies the official integration of the new aircraft into the IAF’s operational framework.
Ensuring Combat-Readiness
Before taking to the skies, the new jets underwent a rigorous series of acceptance tests. The squadron’s skilled technicians meticulously examined every system, ensuring that all components met operational standards.
“The aircraft travel thousands of kilometers before arriving in Israel. Our job is to verify that every system functions flawlessly,” explained Lt. R, the squadron’s armaments officer. “From opening panels for inspection to installing Israeli-developed systems, we leave nothing to chance.”
With the final checks completed, the next step will be operational flight tests, preparing the aircraft for real-world missions. The goal is clear: to have the new Adirs combat-ready by early April.
A War-Tested Fighter with Enhanced Capabilities
Since the start of the Iron Swords War in response to Hamas’ October 7th massacre, the F-35I has played a crucial role in Israel’s military operations.
The Israeli-modified Adir was originally designed to carry its munitions internally to maintain stealth. However, as the war evolved, Israeli engineers worked alongside Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office at the Pentagon to develop an external weapons configuration. This allowed the Adir to carry JDAM precision-guided bombs on its wings, significantly increasing its strike capacity.
Since October 7, the IAF’s Adirs have flown over 15,000 operational hours and participated in thousands of combat sorties across multiple fronts, from Gaza to Lebanon and beyond. The Israeli F-35I remains the only variant of the aircraft to have conducted operational strikes while carrying external munitions, demonstrating its unparalleled combat effectiveness.
Expanding Israel’s Strategic Reach
The 116th Squadron, established in 2020, is still growing into its full operational potential. With these additional aircraft, its role within the IAF will only expand. “These new Adirs provide a major force multiplier, allowing us to conduct more frequent and complex missions,” said Lt. R.
Beyond immediate battlefield applications, the strengthened fleet enhances Israel’s ability to counter future threats—whether from Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran’s growing regional aggression. The IDF has made it clear that Israel’s security doctrine is built on maintaining overwhelming superiority in the air, and the expansion of the F-35I fleet ensures that this remains the case.
The new aircraft are now stationed in their underground shelters at Nevatim Airbase, ready for their first operational flights under Israeli command. Their arrival is not just another step in the IAF’s modernization—it is a clear message to Israel’s enemies: Israel’s air force is stronger than ever, and its ability to strike its foes with precision and power remains unmatched.
As the region faces ongoing security threats, Israel’s investment in cutting-edge technology ensures that it remains prepared for any scenario. The “Adir” is not just a fighter jet; it is a symbol of Israel’s unwavering commitment to its defense and survival.
