Debunking the F-35 Syrian Missile Strike: Unveiling the Truth

Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding the Alleged Syrian Missile Strike on an Israeli F-35

Unveiling the Truth Behind the Alleged Syrian Missile Strike on an Israeli F-35 Fighter Jet

The Alleged F-35 Hit

In 2017, a widely circulated story claimed that a Russian-made S-200 missile fired by the Syrian Defense Forces had struck an Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jet. However, a closer look at the evidence and circumstances casts doubt on the authenticity of this narrative.

The Context

The S-200 missile, a product of the 1960s, was the most advanced long-range anti-aircraft system in the Syrian military's arsenal. Amidst the heated backdrop of the conflict, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly responded to reports via social media, asserting that an anti-aircraft missile had been launched from Syria but failed to hit its target. In response, the IDF launched a retaliatory strike, targeting a Syrian SAM battery near Damascus.

The Uncertainty Unveiled

Later reports emerged, shedding light on a different scenario. Israeli media disclosed that an F-35I jet had sustained damage from a bird strike nearly two weeks prior. Despite a safe landing, uncertainty loomed over the jet's operational status.

The Privileged F-35I Adir

In 2010, Israel made history by becoming the first non-co-development nation to procure the F-35, the cutting-edge stealth fighter. Israel's variant, the F-35I Adir, boasts unique and specialized features. The country's defense contractors collaborated in the acquisition, granting Israel the ability to externally modify the fighter and access its advanced digital architecture, encompassing electronic warfare systems, surveillance suite, communications, and mission control hardware. Furthermore, the Adir variant can be equipped with customizable defensive countermeasures such as jamming pods and domestically-produced weapon options.

Operational Prowess and Speculated Incident

By 2018, Israel showcased its combat-ready F-35I fleet. This timeline is significant due to the rumored 2017 shooting incident. Yet, it's important to note that prior to achieving operational status, the IDF would have been unlikely to expose its new F-35I aircraft along the Syrian border.

Contradictory Claims

While the Syrian military reported hitting Israeli warplanes and forcing their retreat, these claims hold limited credibility. The IDF stood by its original account of the F-35I damage, attributing it to a bird collision during a training sortie. The collaboration between Israeli military officials and Lockheed Martin ensured proper evaluation, maintenance, and repair of the aircraft.

Unmasking the Dubious Narrative

Amidst questionable "evidence" and implausible circumstances, the likelihood of an Israeli F-35 being struck by a Russian-made missile in Syria appears slim. Today, the IDF's fifth-generation stealth fighter fleet, led by the F-35, takes center stage as the backbone of its formidable Air Force.