The IDF, however, did not share details of today's incident. The Russian-built Yak-130 serves both as a trainer aircraft and a light attack jet.
Livemint has not independently verified the authenticity of this video.
F-35: World's ‘most lethal’ fighter jet
The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft currently exported worldwide and is operated by nearly 20 countries, including the US. Israel received its first F-35 delivery in 2016, when it initially ordered 50 aircraft. In 2024, the IDF approved the purchase of an additional squadron of 25 jets, which are expected to be delivered by 2028.
According to an Al Jazeera report, the F-35 belongs to a family of stealth strike fighters. According to the company's official website, F-35 Lightning II, the aircraft's full name, is described as "the most advanced fighter jet in the world".
As a stealth fighter jet, the F-35 is designed to avoid detection by radar and other technologies. It is equipped to carry out precision strikes on enemy air defences and aircraft before they can respond, helping secure control of the skies in a conflict.
A group of US allies, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom, take part in the F-35 programme, contributing to its manufacturing and assembly. These partners either produce specific components for the aircraft or host assembly facilities where jets destined for their own air forces are put together.
Much of its reputation as one of the "most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world" comes from its integration of stealth technology, advanced sensors, and powerful onboard computing within a single platform. The F-35 is designed to reduce detection while collecting data about its environment earlier than other fighter jets. Further, information from its 360-degree camera system and other sensors is processed and presented to the pilot in real time.
Iran's combat aircraft fleet limited
Although Iran possesses a substantial arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, its fleet of operational combat aircraft is limited, a Bloomberg report suggests. Several of those planes were reportedly struck during Israeli and US air raids in the early stages of the conflict.
Earlier this week, Qatar said it had downed two Iranian Su-24 warplanes, making it the first confirmed instances of crewed aircraft being shot down by hostile fire in the ongoing conflict.
Israel targets Iran's security forces
On Wednesday, the US and Israel targeted Iran's capital and several other cities in multiple airstrikes on the fifth day of the war, AP reported. Tel Aviv targeted Tehran's leadership and security forces as the Islamic Republic retaliated and launched a barrage of missiles and drones on Israel and across the region.
In Tehran, residents were jolted awake by explosions at daybreak, while state television broadcast images of a damaged building in the heart of the capital. The religious city of Qom, along with several other locations, was also hit.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially announced a historic aerial milestone: an Israeli F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter shot down an Iranian Yak-130 combat trainer over the skies of Tehran.
This engagement is being cited by military analysts and the IDF as a "world first" and a significant shift in the ongoing regional conflict.
Key Details of the Incident
The "First in History": This marks the first-ever confirmed air-to-air kill of a manned aircraft by an F-35 anywhere in the world.
While the F-35 has previously intercepted drones (including an Iranian drone by the RAF earlier in this conflict), this is its first victory against a piloted enemy jet. The Target: The aircraft shot down was a Russian-made Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name: "Mitten").
While primarily an advanced trainer, Iran has recently armed these with R-73 air-to-air missiles for light combat and counter-drone roles. Location: The shootdown occurred directly over Tehran, during what the IDF described as a "tenth wave" of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and command centers.
Historical Context for the IAF
For the Israeli Air Force (IAF), this mission ended a 40-year hiatus in manned air-to-air combat.
Broader Conflict Update: Operation Roaring Lion
The shootdown is part of a massive joint military campaign—codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States—which began on February 28, 2026.
Objectives: The U.S. and Israel have stated the goals are to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and induce regime change.
Current Status: The conflict has escalated rapidly over the last four days, with reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and retaliatory Iranian strikes on U.S. bases and regional shipping.
Aerial Superiority: The IDF claims to have established "aerial superiority" over Tehran within the first 48 hours, allowing "Adir" jets to operate deep within Iranian airspace.
Would you like more details on the technical specifications of the F-35I "Adir" versus the Yak-130, or a summary of the current diplomatic reactions to this escalation?
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