On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces published footage purporting to capture the instant an Israeli F-35I “Adir” stealth fighter shot down a Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran. This event represents the first combat victory against a manned fighter jet for the advanced aircraft.
Set to the “Star Wars” theme music, the pilot’s voice can be heard stating, “Completed. Target down. The target is down.”
The Israeli military stated on Wednesday that the downing of the aircraft over Iran’s capital was a significant achievement for its fleet of F-35s.
Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the commander of the Israeli Air Force, praised the pilots who executed the mission under Operation Roaring Lion.
“This historic shootdown in the skies of Tehran demonstrates the power of the Israeli Air Force and your individual resolve,” Bar said. “The conflict goes on – return safely. Take some rest. Your next assignment is already prepared.”
The F-35I is Israel’s specially adapted variant of the American-built F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter that serves as the cornerstone of the nation’s aerial capabilities.
In 2010, Israel was the first nation to choose the jet via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, taking delivery of its initial aircraft in June 2016.
The Israeli Air Force assigned the jet the Hebrew designation “Adir,” which translates to “Mighty One.”
The Yak-130, conversely, is a jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau and produced by the United Aircraft Corporation.
Its maiden flight occurred in 1996, and it is still being manufactured today.
According to Iran’s state-run English-language network Press TV, the country acquired Yak-130s in September 2023 as part of a larger initiative to upgrade its air force.
In November 2023, Brig. Gen. Mahdi Farahi, Iran’s deputy defense minister, informed the semi-official Tasnim news agency that arrangements had been completed for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and more Yak-130 trainers to enter service with the nation’s military.
Iran had earlier procured MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia during the 1990s.