The Israeli Air Force released footage of the interception and destruction of two Iranian drones, thereby scoring the first recorded air-to-air kills for the F-35 Lightning II.

According to the reports, the F-35I "Adir" aircraft intercepted the Iranian Shahad 197 drones somewhere outside of Israel's borders, likely over Syria, just as they were approaching Israeli airspace. It's not clear if the drones were outfitted for reconnaissance or loiter munition "suicide drone" operations.

Israel has been operating their fleet of F-35s since December 2016. They have heavily modified the avionics to be compatible with their weapon systems and aeronautical procedures.