According to a report by The Times Of Israel on February 16, 2026, Israel has upgraded its F-35I fighter jets with extended-range fuel tanks, allowing for longer missions “without compromising stealth,” Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, told Israel Hayom.
“We developed fuel tanks that extend the aircraft’s range without compromising stealth, and we added four missiles on the wings,” Leiter said, highlighting the aircraft’s enhanced capabilities.
For several years, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been reportedly working on range-extending fuel tanks for its F-35s, enabling potential strikes at distant targets, including Iran, without requiring in-flight refueling. While adding extra fuel typically increases operational range, it usually compromises stealth because the additional tanks can raise the jet’s radar profile—unless they are jettisoned before entering contested airspace.
Leiter also referenced the placement of missiles on the F-35’s wings, a configuration commonly referred to as “beast mode.” This setup prioritizes firepower over stealth, allowing the aircraft to carry a heavier payload at the cost of reduced radar evasion.
Last year, the IAF announced that, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon’s F-35 program, it had developed the ability to conduct strikes with missiles mounted on the fighter jets’ wings. The IAF described the F-35I as the “only F-35 to conduct strikes with this design,” showcasing a unique operational capability. During the June 2025 conflict with Iran, the IAF released images of its F-35I jets carrying missiles on their wings, demonstrating the practical application of the upgraded configuration….See More
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