The F-35 Lightning II is widely touted as the world’s greatest fighter aircraft, but in its “Beast Mode” configuration, it has taken the capabilities of modern airpower to unprecedented levels. Beast Mode means arming the F-35 with a maximum load of internal and external munitions—up to 22,000 pounds—trading stealth for sheer firepower. This isn’t just about smart tech tricks; it’s a big plan to change how armies fight for control of the sky and hit their targets.
By shape, the F-35 keeps its weapons inside to stay hard to spot on radar, so foes find it tough to see. But when the sky is clear of threats, it shifts to Beast Mode. By putting bombs and missiles on the outside, the jet turns into a strong battle force, ready to carry more in one go and hit fast-changing targets. The trade-off is plain: adding weapons on the outside makes it easier to spot. Yet, the gains are big—more firepower, better move choices, and longer time in the air.
Israel has perhaps taken this idea further than any country. The F-35I “Adir” of the Israeli Air Force is not another F-35—it’s a tailored platform to support a distinctively complicated regional threat environment.
Israel negotiated approval for adding local systems, where the default electronic warfare suite would be replaced by Elbit Systems’ advanced capabilities and the introduction of plug-and-play compatibility with Israeli sensors and weapons.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems equipped the Adir with Python-5 air-to-air missiles, SPICE precision-guided munitions, and dedicated one-ton penetrators, most of which can still be carried inside to preserve stealth when needed.
Israeli F-35Is have clocked over 15,000 flight hours since October 2023, and they have carried out missions over Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and even well inside Iranian territory. No other F-35 operator has faced so varied and sophisticated scenarios of threats or earned similar operational experience.
According to the Israeli Air Force, the Adir is the only F-35 variant that has carried out combat missions with external payloads, unlocking capabilities long speculated on in the laboratory environment. Recently, Israel partnered with Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon to rapidly certify the carriage of external JDAMs on the F-35I to meet vital operational requirements.
The use of Beast Mode is primarily dependent upon the situation. In less threatened locales like Gaza, where the enemies lack sophisticated air defense systems, stealth takes a backseat and firepower takes the forefront.
In medium-threat locales like Lebanon, the aircraft employ the Beast Mode sparingly after the radar threats are eliminated or dodged. When dealing with highly defended territory like Iran, it’s only viable once enemy air defenses are defeated because the extra radar exposure would leave the planes exposed to distant surface-to-air missiles.
Israel’s doctrine also puts equal emphasis on networked operations. The F-35I serves as a sophisticated sensor node, collecting intel, disseminating real-time data to F-15I “Ra’am” strike aircraft, and coordinating intricate multi-platform missions. In the recent campaigns, F-35Is have performed SEAD missions to neutralize enemy air defenses, with F-15Is thereafter delivering heavier payloads. Such coordinated action doubles the capability of both platforms, facilitating long-range strikes at reduced risk.
The strategic consequences are significant. Israel’s introduction of the F-35I redefined regional power, with the ability to credibly deter Iranian nuclear facilities and enable proactive missions to negate emerging threats.
The demonstrated ability of the Adir to penetrate advanced Russian-manufactured air defense networks—through confirmed S-300 radar destruction—sparks a capability in increasing international prominence. Pentagon officials are closely observing Israeli operations for lessons in sustaining extended combat in contested skies, in addition to allied technology interoperability.
In the future, Beast Mode’s potential is greater. Computer upgrades will enable adding new missiles, such as the Stormbreaker tri-mode seeker bomb and Israeli-built weapons with longer standoff ranges.
Possibilities can involve carrying additional air-to-air missiles beyond the aircraft to fend off drones and cruise missiles, or incorporating conformal fuel tanks and drop tanks to extend operational range without refueling.
Ultimately, Beast Mode is not a gimmick—it’s a game-changing capability transforming air-to-air warfare. Israel uses the F-35I Adir in this mode in a groundbreaking way, with stealth, firepower, and networked intelligence presenting new benchmarks for fifth-generation fighters and redefining the military aviation of the future.