The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have released dramatic footage showing an Israeli Air Force stealth fighter jet destroying an Iranian military aircraft over Tehran, marking a historic moment in modern aerial warfare. According to Israeli officials, the incident represents the first time a fifth-generation F-35 fighter has shot down a piloted enemy aircraft in combat, highlighting Israel’s growing air dominance in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The engagement took place amid continuing Israeli air operations over Iran, as tensions between the two countries escalated into a wider regional conflict.
Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Israeli F-35 Shoots Down Iranian Yak-130 Over Tehran
The IDF confirmed that an Israeli Air Force F-35I “Adir” fighter jet intercepted and destroyed an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 aircraft over the skies of Tehran on Wednesday. The military shared video footage of the strike on Thursday, showing the moment the stealth jet successfully hit its target during an air-to-air engagement.
“Completed, the target is down, continuing to strike”: First footage from the ‘Adir’ (F-35I) fighter jet shooting down an Iranian fighter jet (YAK-130) over the skies of Tehran. Yesterday (Wednesday), an ‘Adir’ (F-35I) Israeli Air Force fighter jet shot down an Iranian fighter jet (YAK-130) over the skies of Tehran,” the IDF said in a statement.
🎥WATCH: Footage from the historic shoot down of an Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet by an IAF “Adir” F-35I fighter jet pic.twitter.com/o6BAqiaNXk
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 5, 2026
The Israeli military also indicated that its air campaign inside Iran is ongoing and expanding.
“The Israeli Air Force is continuing to strike dozens of infrastructure sites of Iran and is operating to obtain aerial superiority over the skies of Tehran.”
Israel-Iran War Latest Update: First Ever Air-to-Air Kill By An F-35 Fighter Jet
Military analysts say the incident could mark a major milestone for the F-35 Lightning II fighter programme. The stealth jet had previously intercepted drones and missiles but had never recorded a confirmed shootdown of a manned aircraft before this encounter.
If verified, the Tehran dogfight would be the first time any F-35 variant has destroyed a crewed enemy aircraft in aerial combat. The incident also marks the first Israeli air-to-air shootdown involving a manned aircraft in nearly four decades.
The F-35I “Adir” is Israel’s customised version of the American-built F-35 stealth fighter developed by defence giant Lockheed Martin. The aircraft features advanced sensors, stealth design, and electronic warfare capabilities that allow it to operate deep inside heavily defended airspace.
Israel-Iran War Latest Update: What Is The Iranian Yak-130 Aircraft?
The Iranian aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Yakovlev YAK-130, a subsonic two-seat advanced trainer jet originally developed in Russia. The aircraft is designed primarily to train pilots for advanced combat fighters but can also perform light attack missions.
The YAK-130 is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, bombs, rockets, and other weapons, allowing it to operate as a light combat aircraft when required. Iran has been using the jet to train pilots for its frontline fighter fleet.
Despite its versatility, the aircraft lacks the advanced stealth, sensors, and long-range combat systems that modern fifth-generation jets like the F-35 possess.
Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Israel Expands Air Campaign Against Iran
The aerial engagement occurred as Israeli and U.S. forces continue strikes against Iranian military facilities and infrastructure. Israeli officials say their air operations aim to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and secure air superiority over the Iranian capital.
The release of the footage appears to signal Israel’s confidence in its ability to operate inside Iranian airspace. As the conflict enters its sixth day, the confrontation between Israel and Iran continues to intensify, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Military experts say the historic shootdown may also demonstrate how fifth-generation stealth aircraft are changing the balance of power in modern aerial combat.
