The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced today their F-35I Adir fifth-generation fighter shot down two Iranian drones enroute to the Gaza strip with a cargo of pistols in March 2021.
This the first known interception by the F-35 in the world. Israel was one of the first countries to receive the American-made jet and use it in combat operations.
“We must reiterate the warning that Iranian aggression, whether it emanates from Iranian territory or through Iranian proxies – is a threat to global peace and to regional stability, as well as a threat to the State of Israel,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said.
The interception was coordinated with Israel’s neighbors. The Iranian drones were tracked throughout their flight by ground control units. Local media reported a third drone was destroyed using electronic warfare means.
Two months after the incident, Israel launched “Operation Guardian of the Walls” against Hamas terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
