US defense company Lockheed Martin has received a $33 million contract to accelerate and implement advanced upgrade stages for the F-35 stealth fighter jets, referred to in Israel as “Adir.” These are comprehensive upgrades that will be applied to all F-35 aircraft worldwide, including those operated by the Israeli Air Force.

According to a report by Lockheed Martin, the upgrades will be carried out in two main stages: the TR-3 program and the next phase known as Block 4. The TR-3 program aims to prepare the aircraft infrastructure for the Block 4 upgrades, which are expected to enter production by the end of this decade. Both upgrade phases include significant enhancements in computing, sensors, electronic warfare systems, processing capabilities, avionics, and memory, alongside the development of a new high-resolution radar.

Although the aircraft frame will remain largely unchanged, the upgrades will enable the jet to offer new operational capabilities, including the integration of advanced weapons systems and munitions not available in previous models. So far, approximately 200 F-35 jets equipped with TR-3 systems have been delivered to operators in the United States and other countries around the world.

The Israeli Air Force is also expected to benefit from these upgrades, with all Adir jets undergoing the required processes, including software and hardware updates. Additionally, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, unique modifications have been made to the Adir jets in Israel, such as the capability to carry JDAM bombs on external pylons.

Image - IDF Spokesperson