Jerusalem/Tehran: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that one of its F-35I “Adir” fighter jets shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran, marking what it described as the first-ever aerial kill by an F-35 against a manned fighter jet.

In a statement posted on X, the IDF said the strike occurred as Israeli operations continued for a fifth consecutive day amid escalating hostilities with Iran. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities on the reported shootdown.

The F-35I “Adir,” a variant of the F-35 built by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighter jets. Its design, internal weapons bays, sensor systems and fuel configuration are intended to enhance low observability and combat performance.

Iran’s YAK-130 is a subsonic, two-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Yakovlev in cooperation with Aermacchi. It is primarily used for pilot training but can also carry light weaponry.

Explosions reported in Tehran and Jerusalem

Loud explosions were reported across Tehran early Wednesday, according to Iranian state television, as the conflict entered its fifth day. At the same time, the Israeli military said its air defense systems were activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles, with blasts also heard around Jerusalem.

The latest escalation follows US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets last weekend, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed all details surrounding the incident.

US President Donald Trump said the conflict could last weeks, even as casualties continue to mount. Reports suggest that hundreds of people have been killed in Iran since the fighting began, though exact figures remain difficult to independently verify.

Strikes on security and missile infrastructure

The IDF also said it carried out a series of strikes targeting Basij and internal security command centers in Tehran, claiming the facilities were used by Iranian authorities to maintain control across the country.

In addition, Israel said it struck missile launchers and related systems as part of efforts to curb further attacks.

The violence has also spread to Lebanon. Israel said it launched retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah positions after the group joined the conflict in support of Iran. Lebanese state media reported casualties following an Israeli strike in the city of Baalbek.