An Israeli stealth fighter shot down an Iranian jet Wednesday in the first confirmed fighter-to-fighter dogfight since the outbreak of the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran.

The IDF announced that an Israeli F-35I “Adir” intercepted and destroyed an Iranian YAK-130 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, marking the first aerial duel between manned fighter jets since the conflict began.

The Russian-built YAK-130, which entered production in the 1990s, is typically used as an advanced trainer for pilots transitioning to high-end aircraft such as the Su-57. While primarily designed for training, the jet can also serve as a light attack aircraft and operate in combat roles.

The engagement came after several days of aggressive Israeli strikes aimed at crippling Iran’s aging air force before it could mount a meaningful response.

On Sunday afternoon, Israeli aircraft struck Iranian fighter jets on the ground just moments before they were able to take off. Two aircraft — an F-4 Phantom and an F-5 — were already positioned on the runway preparing for departure when Israeli munitions destroyed them.

Much of Iran’s air fleet is considered antiquated and is generally outmatched by Israel’s modern arsenal of F-15s, F-16s, and F-35 stealth fighters. Even so, Israeli planners view any operational Iranian aircraft as a potential threat, particularly to drones and aircraft conducting close-range strike missions deep inside Iran.

The presence of even a limited number of Iranian fighters could complicate the battlespace, forcing Israeli and American aircraft to divert resources toward air defense rather than strike operations.

Amid that risk, Israeli and American forces rapidly established air supremacy over the Tehran region within the first two days of the war. That dominance has allowed coalition aircraft to conduct so-called “stand-in” attacks — hovering over target areas for extended periods while selecting and striking regime or military sites.

Wednesday’s aerial victory is also historically notable for Israel. The last time the Israeli Air Force shot down an enemy aircraft was November 24, 1985, during an engagement over Lebanon when an Israeli F-15 “Baz” destroyed two Syrian MiG-23 fighter jets.

Alongside the dogfight announcement, the IDF released footage showing Israeli aircraft striking dozens of Iranian air defense systems as part of Operation Roaring Lion, a campaign designed to dismantle Iran’s ability to challenge allied aircraft.

Israeli officials said the destruction of those systems has significantly expanded the coalition’s freedom to operate across Iranian airspace.

At roughly the same time Israeli pilots scored their first manned air-to-air kill of the war, British Royal Air Force F-35B fighters recorded their own milestone, shooting down an Iranian drone over Jordan. British officials said the interception marked the first time an RAF F-35 destroyed a target in combat operations since the aircraft entered British service in 2012 and achieved operational capability in 2018.

In a separate engagement, an RAF Typhoon fighter jet also intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone in Iraqi airspace using an air-to-air missile after the drone was detected heading toward Qatar.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)