Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Mar 4: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday said one of its advanced F-35I fighter jets, known as the “Adir”, shot down an Iranian YAK-130 aircraft in the skies over Tehran, marking what it described as a historic first in aerial combat involving the stealth jet.
According to the IDF, this is the first time an F-35 fighter jet has destroyed a manned enemy aircraft during combat operations. The F-35I “Adir” is Israel’s customised variant of the F-35 stealth fighter developed by US defence major Lockheed Martin. Considered among the most advanced combat aircraft globally, the jet is equipped with stealth technology designed to evade radar detection. Its unique shape, internal weapons bays, advanced sensors and fuel systems enhance its survivability against enemy air defences.
The Iranian aircraft shot down was identified as the YAK-130, a two-seat training and light combat jet originally developed by Russia’s Yakovlev in partnership with Italy’s Aermacchi. While primarily used for pilot training, the aircraft can also be configured to carry weapons for combat missions.
Heavy explosions were reported across Tehran early Wednesday as hostilities between Israel, Iran and the United States entered their fifth day. Iranian state television confirmed blasts around the capital at dawn. Simultaneously, Israel said its air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles, with explosions also reported near Jerusalem.
The escalating exchange of missiles and drones has significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East. The conflict erupted following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran last weekend, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Nearly 800 people have been reported killed in Iran since the fighting began. US President Donald Trump earlier indicated that the war could continue for weeks, possibly even a month or longer, and claimed that some of those killed were individuals he had once considered as potential future leaders of Iran.
The violence has also spilled into neighbouring Lebanon. Israel stated that it is targeting Hezbollah fighters who have joined the conflict in support of Iran. Lebanese state media reported that at least four people were killed after an Israeli airstrike struck a residential building in the city of Baalbek.
In addition to the aerial engagement, the IDF said it conducted multiple strikes on command centres in Tehran linked to Iran’s Basij forces and internal security units. According to the Israeli military, these facilities were being used to maintain internal control across the country. The IDF further said it targeted missile launchers and other military systems belonging to what it termed the Iranian regime.