Illustration of an F-35 fighter loaded with munitions, also called "Beast Mode" (Source: @Roberto05246129/X)
An illustration of the F-35 fighter jet in "beast mode" (@Roberto05246129/X)

"Beast Mode": Israel Giving A Masterclass On How to Use An F-35

Details
The Judean Staff
Defense Technology

Earlier this month, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) revealed a significant evolution in its use of the F-35I “Adir” stealth fighter jets. For the first time publicly, Israel confirmed that it has repeatedly employed a heavily armed configuration known as “Beast Mode” during recent combat operations—a mode that prioritizes firepower over stealth by mounting external weapons under the aircraft’s wings.

This configuration represents a strategic shift in how the IAF deploys its most advanced fighter aircraft and further cements Israel’s position as the most advanced F-35 operator in the world. 

What is 'Beast Mode'?

Beast Mode transforms the traditionally stealthy F-35 into a high-capacity strike platform. In its standard configuration, the F-35 is designed to carry up to 5,700 pounds of munitions internally to maintain a low radar signature. In Beast Mode, the aircraft taps into its six external hardpoints—three on each wing—boosting its total payload capacity to approximately 18,000 pounds.

This allows the Adir to carry heavier and more diverse munitions, including 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), which convert conventional bombs into precision-guided weapons.

However, mounting weapons externally compromises the jet’s stealth, making it more visible to enemy radar systems. This trade-off suggests that in certain operational environments—particularly against enemies with limited air defense capabilities—Israel is willing to sacrifice radar invisibility in favor of overwhelming destructive force. 

How Israel Pioneered Beast Mode for the F-35

According to an official statement by the Israeli military and confirmed in posts by the IAF on X (formerly Twitter), Israel is the only country in the world currently operating the F-35 in this enhanced configuration during live combat missions. This capability is the result of close collaboration between Israel’s internal Flight Test Center, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s F-35 Program Office.

Together, the teams adapted the Adir to integrate externally mounted precision-guided munitions—something not yet adopted by other F-35 users such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Japan.

This unique flexibility is a direct result of Israel’s special status within the F-35 program. While most partner nations must adhere strictly to U.S. specifications, Israel was granted a rare exemption that allows it to integrate indigenous technology, weapons systems, and software into its fleet. 

Custom-Built for Israel’s Operational Needs

The Israeli F-35I isn’t just a fighter jet—it’s a platform tailored specifically for the region’s complex threat environment. While other countries fly the F-35A, B, or C models, Israel's "Adir" is the only variant with extensive local customization.

These upgrades include:

  • Israeli-developed electronic warfare (EW) systems produced by Elbit Systems.
  • Indigenous command-and-control software to enhance integration with IDF battlefield networks.
  • Capability to carry Israeli-made precision-guided munitions, air-to-air missiles, and advanced sensors.

Perhaps most critically, Israel also maintains its own depot-level maintenance and software support, meaning the IAF can update, reconfigure, and repair its F-35s without U.S. involvement—a privilege unmatched by other global operators.

15,000+ Combat Hours Since October 2023

Since the start of the war against Hamas in October 2023, the Adir fleet has flown more than 15,000 operational hours, according to the IAF. These missions have included long-range strikes deep into enemy territory, including:

  • Iran: Precision strikes on air defense systems and weapons facilities.
  • Yemen: Attacks on Houthi missile and drone launch sites, including a July 2024 operation that hit Hodeidah port—over 1,000 miles from Israel.
  • Lebanon: Regular sorties targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
  • Gaza: Close air support missions and strikes on strategic Hamas targets.

In some of these missions, F-35Is operated in Beast Mode, deploying heavy JDAMs against fortified or widely dispersed targets. Although the IAF has not specified which exact missions used the configuration, the context strongly points to scenarios where stealth was a lower priority than delivering devastating payloads.

Strategic Rationale: Payload Over Stealth

While stealth remains a core feature of the F-35 platform, Israel’s operational experience has revealed that there are situations—especially when confronting enemies with limited air defense systems—where firepower takes precedence.

According to defense analysts, Beast Mode is particularly effective when:

  • Hardened bunkers or underground infrastructure need to be neutralized.
  • Enemy defenses have already been degraded, lowering the threat from radar detection.
  • Massed precision strikes are required to suppress or decapitate hostile leadership or weapons systems.

Furthermore, Israel’s unique electronic warfare enhancements likely offset some of the visibility trade-offs, giving the Adir a fighting chance even in contested airspace.

Operating Near Russian S-400s: A Calculated Risk

The use of Beast Mode near Syria and Lebanon—where Russian S-400 air defense systems are deployed—raises strategic questions. The S-400 can track aircraft at distances up to 250 miles and is theoretically capable of detecting an F-35 flying with external stores.

Yet to date, there have been no confirmed instances of S-400 systems targeting or engaging Israeli aircraft. Analysts speculate that a deconfliction mechanism exists between Jerusalem and Moscow, allowing Israel to operate in the region with minimal interference—particularly when conducting strikes against Iranian proxies.

This arrangement, while unofficial, has likely played a key role in Israel’s ability to project power across the Middle East without direct Russian confrontation.

Israel’s Expanding F-35 Fleet

Israel continues to grow its F-35I fleet at a steady pace. Last week, three more Adirs landed at Nevatim Air Base, joining the 116th Squadron and bringing the total number of operational aircraft to 42.

Israel originally committed to purchasing 50 jets from Lockheed Martin and approved the acquisition of an additional 25 in 2023. By the end of the decade, the IAF is expected to operate 75 F-35Is, making it one of the largest F-35 fleets outside the United States.

The Adir’s Legacy: A Hybrid of American Engineering and Israeli Ingenuity

No other country has tested the F-35 under as many real-world conditions as Israel. From intercepting Iranian drones to striking long-distance targets in Yemen, the Adir has proven itself as a battle-hardened, multi-role aircraft.

Its unique ability to toggle between stealth and Beast Mode offers strategic versatility unmatched in the region. While the future battlefield may bring new challenges—such as evolving Iranian missile defenses or shifting Russian strategies—Israel’s F-35I stands ready, thanks to years of foresight, innovation, and operational adaptation.

With more than 15,000 combat hours already logged and countless upgrades in the pipeline, the Adir is more than a fighter—it’s a flying symbol of Israeli technological dominance and strategic independence.

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