Israeli F-35 Downs Iranian Yak-130 in First Air Combat of the War
Israeli F-35 Downs Iranian Yak-130 in First Air Combat of the War
In a historic first, an Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 during the opening air combat of the ongoing conflict, the Israel Defense Forces reported on Wednesday morning.
The Yak-130, a Russian-made aircraft developed in the 1990s, is primarily used as a trainer for pilots of advanced jets like the Su-57 but can also serve in light attack roles.
⚡ Historic Milestone: This marks the first confirmed combat success for the F-35 in an actual air-to-air engagement.
📷 AXEL SCHMIDT/REUTERS
Lockheed Martin F-35 performing a demonstration flight during the ILA International Air Show, Berlin, Germany, June 5, 2024.
Key Details
- 🛩️ Israeli Aircraft: F-35I (Israeli variant of the F-35 Lightning II)
- 🇮🇷 Iranian Aircraft: Yak-130 (Russian-made trainer/light attack jet)
- 📅 Date: March 4, 2026
- 🏆 Significance: First F-35 air-to-air combat kill in history
Aircraft Specifications
- 🇮🇱 F-35I: 5th-generation stealth multirole fighter, advanced avionics and sensor fusion
- 🇮🇷 Yak-130: Subsonic trainer/light attack aircraft, developed in 1990s, can carry guided weapons
📊 Strategic Significance: The engagement demonstrates the F-35's air superiority capability in real combat conditions, validating years of development and training.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the successful engagement early Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in modern aerial warfare as the conflict continues to unfold.
Israel Defense Forces | March 4, 2026
