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The F-35I Adir (Hebrew: אדיר, meaning "Awesome", or "Mighty One") is an F-35A with unique Israeli modifications. The US initially refused to allow such changes before permitting Israel to integrate its own electronic warfare systems, including sensors and countermeasures. The F-35I Adir is equipped with Israeli-made electronic warfare systems layered over the existing avionics and enhanced data gathering and processing capabilities. It comes with a specialized helmet designed for the aircraft's systems. While many of the details are classified, it is known that the helmet is equipped with a projector for each eye that feeds information directly to the pilots, eliminating the need to look down at cockpit instruments, and tracks the pilot's head movements to know where the pilot is looking as it relays data. The main computer has a plug-and-play function for add-on systems; proposals include an external jamming pod, and new Israeli air-to-air missiles and guided bombs in the internal weapon bays. Due to unique component requirements, the F-35I's wings are locally manufactured. A senior IAF official said that the F-35's stealth may be partly overcome within 10 years despite a 30 to 40-year service life, thus Israel's insistence on using their own electronic warfare systems. In 2010, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) considered a two-seat F-35 concept; an IAI executive noted that there was a "known demand for two seats not only from Israel but from other air forces." In 2008, IAI planned to produce conformal fuel tanks, as well as stealthy external fuel tanks; these were reportedly used during the June 2025 Israeli airstrikes against Iran.
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