Israel’s advanced F-35I Adir stealth fighter has delivered a decisive blow against an imminent Iranian missile threat, destroying a ballistic missile launcher that was already loaded and prepared for launch. Infrared footage released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shows the moment the stealth jet carried out a precision strike near the western Iranian city of Kermanshah on March 4, 2026, eliminating the launcher before it could fire.

The strike comes during a period of heightened hostilities between Israel and Iran, a rivalry that has increasingly moved beyond covert operations and proxy conflicts into more direct military engagements. According to Israeli defense officials, the launcher had been positioned and prepared to launch a ballistic missile that could have targeted Israeli territory or strategic assets in the region. By neutralizing the launcher before launch, the Israeli Air Force prevented what could have escalated into a broader exchange of strikes.

The operation highlights the unique capabilities of Israel’s customized F-35I Adir platform. Unlike standard versions of the American-made stealth fighter, the Israeli variant incorporates locally developed electronic warfare systems, specialized communications networks, and mission software tailored for Israel’s operational environment. These enhancements allow the aircraft to conduct deep-penetration missions into heavily defended airspace while maintaining a low radar profile, making it exceptionally difficult for enemy air defense systems to detect or intercept.

Military analysts say the successful strike demonstrates how stealth technology, advanced sensors, and precision-guided munitions combine to create a highly effective tool for preemptive defense. The F-35’s sophisticated targeting systems enable pilots to identify threats in real time and coordinate with other intelligence sources, including satellites and surveillance aircraft. In this case, that integrated intelligence network appears to have identified the launcher as it was being prepared for launch, allowing the Israeli Air Force to act before the missile could leave the ground.