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IDF F-35I Adir shoots down Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran — first F-35 air-to-air kill in history

·Tehran (Lavasan area), Iran

An Israeli F-35I Adir shot down an Iranian Yak-130 near the Lavasan mountain area outside Tehran on Day 5, marking the first ever air-to-air kill by an F-35 and Israel's first air combat kill since 1985. The IDF released footage of the shoot-down, demonstrating Israeli stealth fighter superiority over Iranian airspace.

An Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir stealth fighter shot down an Iranian Air Force Yak-130 combat trainer/light attack aircraft over Tehran on March 4, 2026 (Day 5). The kill occurred near the Lavasan mountain area outside Tehran. The IDF released footage of the shoot-down. This was the first air-to-air combat kill ever recorded by an F-35 variant, and the first time the Israeli Air Force shot down an aircraft in air-to-air combat since 1985. The Yak-130 (NATO: Mitten) is a Russian-made subsonic jet used by Iran as a combat trainer and light attack aircraft. Its shoot-down over Tehran demonstrated Israeli F-35I air superiority deep inside Iranian airspace — the aircraft operated with near-impunity over the Iranian capital. Confirmed by Jerusalem Post (March 4, 2026), Euronews, Aviation Week Network, and IDF-released footage.

Actor responses

IsraelNEUTRALRESPONSE

An IDF F-35I Adir operating over Tehran shot down an Iranian Yak-130 in air-to-air combat. This demonstrates the complete air superiority of Israeli stealth aircraft in Iranian airspace. Iran has no effective counter to our F-35 fleet.

IranOPPOSINGRESPONSE

The Zionist regime's claims of shooting down our aircraft are propaganda. Iranian air defences are actively engaged. The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to this aggression from all directions.

United StatesSUPPORTINGRESPONSE

The Israeli F-35's first air-to-air kill demonstrates the capability of fifth-generation stealth aircraft. This is a significant capability milestone and underscores the air superiority coalition forces maintain over Iranian territory.