Updated: Israeli F-35I Shoots Down Iranian Yak-130 Over Iran
The Aviationist • • world
Key Points:
- On March 4, 2026, an Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 combat aircraft over Tehran, marking the first time an F-35 has downed a manned fighter jet.
- The Yak-130, a subsonic two-seat advanced trainer capable of light attack and reconnaissance roles, has been operated by Iran since 2013 and was reportedly on a counter-drone mission when it was shot down.
- The Israeli Air Force released video footage on March 5 showing the F-35I targeting and destroying the Yak-130 with an air-to-air missile, emphasizing the mission as part of efforts to establish air superiority in the region.
- The Yak-130 serves primarily
