Israel to Extend Combat Range of its F-35 Aircraft with External Fuel Tanks

Based on recent combat engagement with Iran, the Israeli Air Force has decided to extend the combat range of its F-35 fighter jets by adding external fuel tanks.

The Defense Procurement Director (DPD) at the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Elbit Systems to develop a system that will enable the increase in the flight range and air endurance of the F-35 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 

The deal, estimated at over NIS 100 million ($35 million), includes the development and adaptation of external fuel tanks, based on an existing Cyclone design for F-16 aircraft. This capability is expected to extend flight ranges, reduce the need for aerial refueling, and improve operational flexibility on long-range missions.

Adding external fuel tanks will reduce stealth capability of the Israeli F-35 but considering that Israel has clear air superiority over Iranian or other Middle Eastern air defenses, the trade-off of stealth vs. range appears justified.

This is another step as part of the Defense Ministry's strategy, to strengthen Israeli weapons independence, improve readiness for a decade of security challenges, and ensure the State of Israel's air and strategic superiority in the region, the Israeli MoD said in a release.