Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Dramatic moment Israeli F-35 stealth fighter shoots down Iranian jet in historic strike
NY Post ^ | 3/05/26 | Chris Bradford

Posted on 03/05/2026 4:34:46 AM PST by Libloather

Dramatic footage has captured the moment an Israeli stealth fighter shot down an Iranian jet in a first-of-its-kind combat strike on Wednesday.

Footage released by the Israeli Defense Forces on Thursday showed the Israeli F-35 jet focusing in on its target – a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 – over Tehran before the air-to-air kill.

A streak of light can be seen blazing across the screen as the enemy plane comes down.

“Target down. The target is down. Continue for strike,” Israeli forces say in the video, which is played to the “Star Wars” theme tune.

It was the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 ‘Adir’ fighter jet,” the IDF said, using the jet’s Hebrew name, which translates to “Mighty One.”

The F-35 was unscathed following the daring strike.

Tomer Bar, the Israeli air force commander, said the shootdown was a “testament to the strength of the Israeli Air Force and to your personal determination.”

“The war continues – return home safely. Get some rest,” he told the pilots.

“The next mission is already waiting for you.”

(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Outdoors; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: f35; historic; iran; jet; stealth
Message from Jim Robinson:

Dear FRiends,

We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.

If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:

Click here: to donate by Credit Card

Or here: to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you,

Jim


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-27 next last
Boom. Video @ the link.
1 posted on 03/05/2026 4:34:46 AM PST by Libloather
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Libloather

The “Kid” is gonna loose his shiite.

Inside reference for those who know HLC.


2 posted on 03/05/2026 4:37:21 AM PST by Skwor
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

3 posted on 03/05/2026 4:40:34 AM PST by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

This is why Israel is a strategic Kingpin. Give them the tools, they deliver and they pass along lessons learned to the US military.
On the other hand, give the Arabs tools and they shoot down 3 American F-15s.
Who are you going to bet on?


4 posted on 03/05/2026 4:40:53 AM PST by Netz ( and looking for a way ti IMPROVE mankind.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather
It's basically a Short Bus attempt to copy an F-16.

Against an F-35? Talk about clubbing baby seals.

5 posted on 03/05/2026 4:44:14 AM PST by Sirius Lee ("Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather
Image from Gyazo
6 posted on 03/05/2026 4:44:48 AM PST by Samurai_Jack (This is not about hypocrisy, this is about hierarchy!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Sirius Lee

This thing should not have been in the air at all. Below is a Wiki answer for what it is and how it is used.


Purpose of the Yak-130
The Yak-130 serves multiple purposes, primarily as a training aircraft for pilots preparing to operate high-performance fighters. It is also capable of conducting light attack missions, including close air support. The aircraft’s advanced avionics and modular armament system make it a versatile platform for both training and combat scenarios. Its role as a light-attack aircraft and reconnaissance vehicle highlights its adaptability and utility in various military operations.
Wikipedia
+5”


7 posted on 03/05/2026 4:51:40 AM PST by Gen.Blather (Wait! I said that out loud. Sorry. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Skwor

First thing I thought of! Also old man Buff is now flying around with impunity.


8 posted on 03/05/2026 4:55:59 AM PST by miliantnutcase
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Sirius Lee
Talk about clubbing baby seals.

Especially when you consider its NATO reporting name is “Mitten”.
9 posted on 03/05/2026 4:57:18 AM PST by Apparatchik (Русские свиньи, идите домой)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: miliantnutcase

Ya I am totally stoked for his next release!


10 posted on 03/05/2026 4:58:11 AM PST by Skwor
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Apparatchik
its NATO reporting name is “Mitten”.

I guess 'Petunia' and 'Plush' were already taken.

11 posted on 03/05/2026 5:00:38 AM PST by Sirius Lee ("Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

Splash one!

BTW, waiting for all the F35 haters to chime in….


12 posted on 03/05/2026 5:05:12 AM PST by Magnum44 (...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

Bkmk


13 posted on 03/05/2026 5:14:07 AM PST by sauropod
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Gen.Blather

Maybe it’s all they’ve got left. Yak Yak Yak.


14 posted on 03/05/2026 5:28:03 AM PST by xp38
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

How come The Jew isn’t shooting down our planes. Didn’t they attack our ship something like 6,000 years ago?

(just having some fun with the Israel haters here)


15 posted on 03/05/2026 5:41:09 AM PST by BobL (Trusting one's doctor is the #1 health mistake one can make.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Gen.Blather

They fogot to add it makes an easy target for Gen 5 fighter aircraft...


16 posted on 03/05/2026 5:49:00 AM PST by shotgun
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Samurai_Jack
That video deserves this soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcq_xLi2NGo&list=RDZcq_xLi2NGo&start_radio=1 Yakety Sax

17 posted on 03/05/2026 5:57:16 AM PST by Sirius Lee ("Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Libloather

Qatar also got two air to air kills.

F-15s vs. two SU-24s flying at tree top level fully loaded with bombs.


18 posted on 03/05/2026 6:31:05 AM PST by TheThirdRuffian (Orange is the new brown)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Skwor

The Kid definitely won’t be happy The Nerd got an intercept before him.


19 posted on 03/05/2026 6:34:42 AM PST by Redcitizen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Redcitizen

Lol. I don’t think the Kid will ever get one, unless it’s against China. Everyone else is too terrified to tangle with him.


20 posted on 03/05/2026 6:36:14 AM PST by Windcatcher
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-27 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson