The Israeli fifth-generation F-35I Adir during a military operation in Iran destroyed a Russian-made Yak-130 aircraft. The battle took place directly over Tehran. This is the first confirmed case where an F-35 fighter jet shot down a manned aircraft. This was reported by the press service of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), writes UNIAN.
In the statement from the IDF, it is noted: 'In the sky over Tehran, the Israeli fighter F-35I Adir shot down the Iranian aircraft Yak-130. This is the first case in the world where a manned aircraft was shot down by a F-35 jet'.
F-35I Adir Fighter: What is known about the Israeli stealth aircraft
The F-35I Adir is a specially modified version of the American fifth-generation F-35 fighter, created by Lockheed Martin. Israel has adapted the aircraft for its own military needs.
Key characteristics of the aircraft:
the cost of one machine is about 100 million dollars
capable of carrying up to 8 tons of weapons
use of additional modules on the wings to expand combat capabilities.
Currently, the Israeli Air Force has approximately 50 such aircraft. In the future, their number is planned to be increased to 75 units.
Yak-130 Aircraft: What is known about the downed Russian fighter
The Yak-130, manufactured in Russia, is considered a training-combat aircraft used for training military pilots. At the same time, it can perform combat missions.
Among its features:
used as a training aircraft for pilot training
capable of carrying combat weapons
high maneuverability during flight.
According to Israeli military data, this aircraft was destroyed during an air operation over Tehran.
Amid the escalation of the situation in the region, reports are emerging of other events. In particular, an Iranian vessel sank near the coast of Sri Lanka after being attacked by an unknown submarine, and tens of thousands of troops and over 200 aircraft are involved in the U.S. military operation 'Epic Fury'.
Notably, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation on February 28, 2026, during which he discussed events in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.