In a recent announcement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their fleet of F-35I Adir stealth fighters is actively engaged in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This revelation comes as the first official acknowledgment of the F-35I’s involvement in the conflict, and it also marks the first confirmed instance of an F-35I being used to intercept a target of this kind.

Confirmation of F-35I Involvement

The IDF made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, where they provided details of the successful interception of a cruise missile.

According to the statement, the cruise missile was launched from the southeast, targeting Israeli airspace.

The IDF’s control and detection systems promptly detected the incoming threat and tracked its trajectory.

In response, fighter jets from the Adir formation, which is the Israeli Air Force’s name for the F-35I, were scrambled to intercept the missile.

The interception was a success, showcasing the F-35I’s capabilities in this high-stakes conflict.

The Intercept: A Closer Look

A video accompanying the tweet offers a remarkable view from an F-35I’s helmet-mounted display, revealing the engagement with the incoming cruise missile.

The video captures the moment when an AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared-guided missile is launched toward the target, resulting in a hard left turn by the cruise missile before impact.

This demonstration highlights the AIM-9X’s high off-boresight engagement capabilities, showcasing the precision and effectiveness of the F-35I’s weaponry.

Following this cruise missile interception, the IDF also reported the destruction of a surface-to-surface missile over the Red Sea, achieved using the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, known as Hetz in IDF terminology.

This two-fold success underscores Israel’s commitment to defending its airspace and territory against a range of threats.

The Origin of the Threat

While the IDF’s announcement provides important insights into the F-35I’s role in the current conflict, it leaves many questions unanswered.

Notably, the exact time and location of the cruise missile interception and the origin of the missile have not been disclosed.

However, it is highly likely that the cruise missile was launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, given the statement’s reference to the missile being “launched from the southeast.”

The Times of Israel similarly concludes that the missile originated from the Houthis, citing previous interceptions of drones launched from Yemen over the Red Sea.

The Houthi Connection

The cruise missile in question bears a striking resemblance to the Quds series of weapons used by the Houthi rebels.

In response to Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis released video footage claiming to show cruise missiles and drones launched against targets in Israel.

This retaliation launch suggests that the missile may have flown from Houthi-controlled regions in western Yemen, across the Red Sea, towards Israel’s southernmost city, Eilat.

On the other hand, The Drive further tackled a possible alternative flight path the Houthis could have taken the missile over Saudi Arabia, raising questions about why it was not intercepted there.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Ongoing Middle East Conflict

Saudi Arabia has a history of countering Houthi missiles and drones, often using its fighters to shoot them down. They have also been actively involved in intercepting Houthi missiles and drones during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

On October 19, the Houthis launched a significant barrage of cruise missiles and nearly 20 drones, which were intercepted by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) during a nine-hour engagement.

Saudi Arabia also engaged aerial targets during this incident, potentially intercepting additional threats. The mounting threat from Houthi missiles and drones necessitates a robust defense response from regional actors, including Israel.

The F-35I’s Versatility

The F-35I’s involvement in the Gaza conflict marks a significant development in Israel’s approach to using this advanced stealth fighter.

While the F-35I is often perceived as a “silver bullet” strike asset for attacking heavily defended ground targets at long ranges, it has also proven its value in countering cruise missiles and drones.

Israel’s investment in this aircraft is part of its longstanding commitment to adapting US-provided military equipment to its exacting specifications.

In 2018, Israel became the first nation to employ the F-35 on offensive operations, setting a precedent for its willingness to utilize the aircraft in combat scenarios.

Since then, the F-35I has demonstrated its capabilities by successfully engaging Iranian drones.

In 2022, the Israeli Air Force disclosed that F-35Is had been involved in aerial engagements, downing at least two Iranian drones en route to Israeli territory, marking the first confirmed instances of F-35s destroying airborne threats.

Advanced Sensor Suite and Weaponry

The F-35I’s impressive sensor suite, including its advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and sensor-fusion capabilities, equips it to detect and engage cruise missiles and drones effectively.

These aerial threats often fly at low altitudes, and their relatively small radar cross-section poses challenges for conventional air defense systems.

Moreover, the F-35’s AESA radar technology outperforms traditional mechanically scanned array radars when tracking and engaging hard-to-detect targets, particularly those flying at low levels.

The Cost of Defense

For air-to-air engagements, the Israeli F-35I is armed with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and short-range AIM-9X missiles.

While these missiles offer impressive capabilities, they come with substantial costs.

Each AIM-120C round is estimated to cost approximately $1 million, and each AIM-9X costs roughly $475,000 for the US Air Force.

These expenses, combined with aircraft acquisition, maintenance, training, and operational costs, make defending against cruise missiles and drones a significant financial undertaking.

The Adir’s Role in Comprehensive Defense

In addition to their offensive capabilities, the F-35I’s ability to intercept cruise missiles and drones adds an essential layer of defense to Israel’s comprehensive air defense strategy.

With Houthi militants effectively declaring war on Israel, the IDF is likely to face more challenges in intercepting their weapons.

Should Hezbollah become more deeply involved in the conflict, Israel’s fighter force will be under considerable strain, defending against attacks from both the north and the south, featuring cruise missiles and drones.

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In conclusion, the use of F-35I Adir stealth fighters in the current Gaza conflict underscores Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace and territory against a diverse range of threats.

The advanced aircraft’s adaptability – combined with its formidable sensor suite and weaponry – is what positions itself as a vital asset in defending against cruise missiles and drones.

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