Israel has increased the range of its fifth-generation F-35I fighters without compromising their stealth capabilities, writes The National Interest (TNI).
As Israel's ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter stated in an interview with Israel Hayom, the Israeli side has developed external fuel tanks that increase the aircraft's range without compromising its stealth capabilities, and has also added the ability to carry four additional missiles on the wings. The diplomat did not provide details about the design of the new fuel tanks.
TNI reminds that Israel has been developing fuel tanks for several years to extend the range of the F-35I, allowing the "fifth-generation fighter to strike targets in Iran without in-flight refueling." The publication suggests that the F-35I could be equipped with conformal tanks that blend with the aircraft's design, maintaining its radar stealth.
In June 2022, The Drive reported, citing Israeli press publications, that Israel had increased the range of its fifth-generation F-35I Adir fighters, enabling them to reach Iran without refueling.
The basic range of the F-35I without in-flight refueling is just over 650 nautical miles (1200 kilometers).
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