First, the Israeli app stack enables quick, continuous software modifications and upgrades, especially to the Threat Library, a continually updated database of threats and enemy capabilities. Custom threat libraries include the latest capabilities of Russian and Iranian air defense systems. This is a feature made possible by F-35Is’ access to Israeli intelligence.

For example, Israel developed its own family of Spice guided glide bombs as well as new drop tanks that enable strikes deep inside Iran without compromising stealth capabilities.

Israel has also developed underwing pylons to carry additional weapons, even those that diminish stealth, and can mount four external missiles on underwing pylons when stealth is not required. The F-35I fire control software was modified to accommodate Israeli weapons, including Python‑5 and Derby air‑to‑air missiles. By the end of this year, Israel will have fifty F-35Is in three squadrons. More F-35s are arriving by the end of the decade.

The F-35 is a 31-ton single-engine, single-seat aircraft that entered service in different versions between 2015 and 2019. The first F-35s were built in 2006 for development purposes. The aircraft has stealth characteristics and is equipped with the most modern avionics (aircraft electronics), sensors, and capabilities. The F-35 has a maximum range of 2,800 kilometers for repositioning missions to another country. For destinations more than 2,500 kilometers away, the F-35 must refuel along the way. Combat range for ground-attack missions is 1,200 kilometers while carrying eight tons of missiles and bombs. Its combat range against other aircraft is 1,400 kilometers. The F-35 can carry 2,600 kg of weapons internally and 6,800 kg externally. Its max speed is Mach 1.6, and its max altitude is 15,000 meters. The F-35B is a STOVL (short takeoff and landing) version that carries a third less fuel because of the STOVL modifications. The F-35C carrier version is like the F-35A but has a tail hook and more rugged landing gear. The wings have larger control surfaces, and the outer wing sections can fold so the aircraft takes up less space on the hangar deck.

Missiles and bombs that the F-35 is equipped to carry include air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-260 JATM, and MBDA Meteor. Air-to-surface missiles include AGM-88G AARGM-ER, AGM-158 JASSM, AGM-179 JAGM, SPEAR 3, and the hypervelocity Stand-In Attack Weapon. Anti-ship missiles include the AGM-158C LRASM and Joint Strike Missile. Bombs include the Joint Direct Attack Munition, Paveway Precision-guided glide bomb, AGM-154 JSOW, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, GBU-53/B Stormbreaker, and the B61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb.

Pilots benefit from several features that make their job easier and much more effective. The cockpit features a bubble canopy that provides excellent views of the outside. Cockpit controls have been reduced and made easier to see and use. This is done by using a 50 by 20 cm (20 by 8 inch) touch display that shows flight instruments, stores management, CNI information, and integrated cautions and warnings. Pilots can customize the information layout. Below the main display is a smaller stand-by display. Pilots also have a helmet-mounted visor, a display that lets them look at an enemy aircraft and fire a missile at it. This point-and-shoot capability is an enormous advantage in air-to-air combat. The F-35 electronics also provide a better view of ground targets and the ability to quickly select and use the most suitable carried ground-attack weapon.

The cockpit has a speech-recognition system but no heads-up display. Instead, a helmet-mounted display system projects flight and combat information onto the pilot's visor. The one-piece tinted canopy is hinged at the front and has an internal frame for structural strength. The Martin-Baker ejection seat launches via a twin-catapult system housed in side rails. It has a right-hand side stick and a hands-on throttle-and-stick system. For life support, it has an OBOGS (onboard oxygen-generation system) powered by the Integrated Power Package, plus an auxiliary oxygen bottle and backup oxygen system for emergencies.

The radars and electronic countermeasures provide the pilot with an integrated view of the surrounding airspace. This situational awareness gives the pilot an enormous advantage in combat because the F-35 pilot can see, either with his eyes or through his sensors, more about what is in the area, and in much greater detail, than any enemy pilot.

Currently, 1,300 F-35s are in service, with a third of these used by American allies. Eventually, by 2044, at least 2,500 will be available. Production numbers will increase as more export customers order aircraft. So far, Britain, Australia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the Netherlands have ordered F-35s. Israel was the first export customer to receive F-35s because it was the only export customer that was regularly involved in combat, including air strikes. Israel was also the only export customer allowed to modify and upgrade their F-35s. For this reason, the Israeli aircraft is known as the F-35I. The United States initially opposed Israeli requests to make modifications and upgrades, but Israel had a record of doing this with F-16s and F-15s obtained from the United States, so F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin agreed to cooperate by making some modifications to the F-35Is before Israel received them. These changes included command, control, and communications systems, including computers, and the full integration of intelligence collection, electronic warfare, and weapons systems. Israel agreed not to change anything inside the aircraft but could add capabilities on top of the existing infrastructure. Israel Aerospace Industries, for example, was already working on such systems for the F-35I. The F-35I was designed to allow software updates to electronic warfare and weapons systems. F-35I power and cooling systems were modified to incorporate Israeli-developed weapons. Israel has developed its own air-to-air missiles and GPS-guided bombs.

Since 2021, Israel has conducted many more joint exercises with foreign F-35s. Details of these exercises have not been publicized, but it apparently involves testing current and new F-35 capabilities and sharing that knowledge with other F-35 users. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a lot of European nations sought to obtain F-35s while canceling plans to buy older models of American and European combat aircraft. F-35s are meant to eventually replace all F-16, F-15, and F-18 aircraft.

James F Dunnigan