Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a deepening of their strategic defense partnership, the United States and Israel have signed a $33 million deal for the phased upgrade of Israel’s F-35 fighter jet fleet, known locally as the “Adir,” to the advanced Block 4 configuration. The agreement, signed with U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is part of a broader effort to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge in a region marked by rising instability and evolving aerial threats.
The upgrade will occur in two phases. The first phase equips the aircraft with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) package, a prerequisite hardware foundation for the more ambitious Block 4 upgrade, which will follow. These enhancements significantly boost the aircraft’s computing power, electronic warfare systems, radar resolution, onboard storage, and sensor fusion capabilities ensuring that the F-35 remains the most advanced multi-role stealth fighter in service.
What’s in Block 4?
The Block 4 upgrade is the most extensive enhancement since the F-35’s initial deployment. It introduces over 50 improvements across avionics, weapons integration, and mission systems, including:
- New Weapons Compatibility: Integration with advanced U.S. and allied munitions such as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II), and AGM-88G AARGM-ER. For Israel, this includes custom compatibility with indigenous systems like the Spice glide bombs and Rafael air-to-ground munitions.
- Enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: Greater detection range and interference resistance against radar and missile threats.
- Advanced Radar (AN/APG-85): Superior tracking and target discrimination, optimized for both air-to-air and ground strikes.
- Expanded Sensor Fusion: Integration of new data streams from multiple sources, allowing for greater battlefield awareness and coordinated targeting.
- Improved Core Processor: The new core processor, reportedly 25 times more powerful than the current model, supports more complex algorithms for artificial intelligence-enabled threat analysis and mission planning.
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the Adir’s survivability, lethality, and long-range mission effectiveness in high-threat environments, including over Iran, Syria, and other contested airspaces.
Israel’s F-35 “Adir” Program: A Customized Edge
Israel was the first country outside the United States to procure and operationalize the F-35. It currently operates over 36 Adir aircraft, with plans to expand the fleet to 75 jets. Uniquely among F-35 operators, Israel was granted the right to modify the aircraft’s software and integrate homegrown weapons and systems an unprecedented concession from Washington.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has already adapted the F-35 to accommodate locally developed communications and electronic warfare suites, along with the integration of Israeli smart munitions. Among the most significant modifications is the ability to carry JDAM bombs externally enhancing payload flexibility at the cost of stealth, useful in scenarios where air dominance has been established.
The F-35 has become a cornerstone of Israel’s aerial superiority strategy. The Adir played a combat role as early as 2018, conducting covert strikes in Syria, according to Israeli military disclosures. Its stealth, network-centric warfare capability, and ability to operate in GPS- and radar-denied environments make it a critical asset in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Strategic Timing Amid Regional Upheaval
The announcement comes at a moment of acute geopolitical tension. The Gaza war, continuing instability in Lebanon, and the rising threat from Iranian-backed militias across the region have reshaped Israel’s defense priorities. The Red Sea shipping crisis fueled by Houthi attacks on international vessels, has also placed maritime and aerial security under fresh scrutiny.
The F-35 upgrade reinforces Israel’s long-term deterrence posture while sending a clear signal of unwavering U.S. military support. It also fits within a broader U.S. strategy to enhance interoperability with regional allies, especially those contributing to shared security goals.
Lockheed Martin has already delivered around 200 TR-3-equipped F-35s globally, and Israel’s upgrades are expected to begin as early as July. The collaborative nature of the process means Israeli defense firms will likely work alongside U.S. counterparts on software development and system integration, further embedding defense industrial ties between the two nations.
As regional adversaries including Iran accelerate their own weapons programs, and with drone warfare and precision missile threats becoming more prevalent, Israel’s investment in next-generation air power remains a central pillar of its national defense doctrine.
