Israel expands F-35 capabilities in preparation for a resumption of war with Iran
The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the new capabilities will help increase the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and enhance operational flexibility in long-range missions.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a $34 million contract with the Israeli company Elbit Systems to increase the range of the American F-35 fighter jets, thereby reducing their need for aerial refueling. The move was described as part of the Israeli army’s preparations for a possible resumption of war against Tehran.
In a statement, the ministry said that the Defense Procurement Directorate had signed a contract with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, explaining that the agreement aims to extend the flight range of the F-35 fighter jet manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin.
The deal exceeds $34 million and includes the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on a Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16, according to the ministry.
It added that the new capabilities are expected to increase the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and enhance operational flexibility in long-range missions.
Israel owns dozens of F-35 fighter jets, which it has used in wars in the Gaza Strip, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen. Tehran claimed that it had managed to shoot down several F-35s, but both the American and Israeli sides denied these claims, stating that the aircraft shot down were F-15s.
On May 4, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it would receive from the United States, within the month, a Boeing KC-64 aerial refueling aircraft.
Strategic targets in Iran lie between 1,500 and 2,000 kilometers from Israeli air bases, and most fighter jets do not have sufficient range for a round trip, making aerial refueling necessary.
In June 2025, Israel launched a war against Iran, then began a new war against it with the United States on February 28, resulting in more than three thousand deaths, according to Tehran.
On May 3, the ministerial procurement committee of the Israeli Ministry of Defense approved the purchase of two new squadrons of F-35 and F-15I fighter jets as part of an arms race against Iran.
In addition to preparing for the possible resumption of war against Iran, Israel continues a war in Gaza and attacks on Lebanon, in violation of ceasefire agreements in effect since October 10 and April 17, respectively.
For decades, Israel has occupied Palestine as well as territories in Lebanon and Syria, and refuses to withdraw from them or allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as stipulated in relevant United Nations resolutions.
