An Israeli F-35 fighter jet shot down a Russian-made aircraft for the first time in history during an aerial duel over Tehran.
“Elchi” reports that the target aircraft was an Iranian Air Force Yak-130. This incident also marks the Israeli air force’s first air-to-air engagement in decades.
An Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jet shot down a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces announced the incident, stating that it was the first confirmed “kill” by an F-35 in air combat in history. This incident also marks the Israeli air force’s first air-to-air engagement in approximately 40 years. Both the US and Israel have stated that they expect to gain air superiority in Iranian airspace in the coming days. This downing occurred in the context of ongoing clashes between US and Israeli forces and Iranian forces since Saturday, February 28. The incident occurred in addition to the friendly fire incident involving three US F-15 Strike Eagle jets in Kuwait on Monday. Israeli pilots last engaged in air combat with other manned aircraft on November 24, 1985. At that time, a US-made Israeli F-15 Eagle jet shot down two Russian-made Syrian MiG-23 fighter jets in Lebanese airspace.
The Israeli air force is primarily equipped with military hardware acquired from the US. F-35 Lightning II fighter jets are among the most advanced aircraft in the US Air Force. Developed by Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s largest defense companies, these aircraft feature advanced stealth technologies that reduce radar visibility and can carry various weapons for air combat and ground bombardment, including nuclear warheads.
The F-35 has become one of the most widely used fighter jets among Washington’s allies. The White House also uses the sale of these aircraft as a tool of commercial diplomacy.
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