‘Israeli’ military signs contract to extend F35 fighter jet range
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The ‘Israeli’ Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Elbit Systems' Cyclone subsidiary to develop an ‘Israeli’-made capability for extending the range of its air force's F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter jets.
Announced on Thursday, the agreement, valued at over NIS 100 million (approximately $34 million), focuses on the design and integration of external fuel tanks.
The Defense Procurement Directorate led the initiative, which leverages Cyclone's existing external fuel tank design originally developed for the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Extended range reduces dependence on aerial refueling, which is a factor of ‘Israel's’ limited tanker fleet.
The F-35I Adir is a highly customized variant of the F-35A, incorporating ‘Israeli’-developed electronic warfare systems, weapons integration, and other national modifications.
The project marks a notable development for F-35 operators globally, as external fuel tanks have historically posed challenges to the aircraft's stealth profile.
‘Israel’ already has plans to expand the Adir fleet significantly, aiming toward approximately 100 F-35I aircraft alongside additional F-15IA.
