In 2017, reports circulated widely, suggesting that one of Israel’s F-35 stealth fighters had been hit by a Soviet-designed S-200 missile launched from Syria. These claims were swiftly disputed and eventually deemed false.
The incident, if true, would have been a significant event, as it would mark one of the first recorded encounters where a Russian-made missile hit an advanced fifth-generation fighter.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), while Syrian air defenses did indeed fire an S-200 missile in the direction of an Israeli aircraft, the missile failed to hit its intended target. The IDF quickly addressed the rumors on social media, confirming that the missile did not make contact with any Israeli jet. Shortly after, Israeli media clarified that one of Israel’s F-35s had suffered damage — but from a bird strike, not a missile impact.
The Background of the Incident
The alleged strike took place at a time when the F-35 was still new to Israel’s air fleet. Israel acquired its first F-35 jets in 2016. It was the first country outside the aircraft’s development program to integrate the American-made stealth fighter. With its “Adir” variant, Israel’s F-35s were uniquely tailored to Israel’s defense needs.
The “Adir” variant included special modifications to the F-35’s digital and electronic warfare systems. These were integrated with locally produced weaponry like the Rafael Spice guided bomb and an Israeli-developed cruise missile.
The F-35I’s improved capabilities made it an invaluable asset for Israel’s Air Force. Despite being combat-ready, the aircraft had only been recently deployed at the time of the incident. This fueled doubts over the plausibility of an F-35 flying near Syrian borders before it had reached full operational capacity.
A Bird Strike, Not a Missile
While initial reports raised questions about the fighter’s damage, Israeli media soon attributed it to an incident with a bird rather than a hostile missile. Military officials confirmed that the damage had occurred during a training sortie when the F-35I struck a bird, resulting in minor surface hits.
“During a training sortie, two hits were found on the plane following a collision with a bird,” an IDF statement read, adding that the aircraft underwent standard maintenance and resumed full operational status shortly after repairs.
This clarification from the IDF was crucial, as the Israeli Air Force’s growing fleet of F-35s forms the backbone of its air superiority. Any confirmation of a missile strike on an F-35 would have raised questions about the fighter jet’s resilience and advanced defense systems.
The Truth
The 2017 rumors of a missile strike on the Israeli F-35 highlight the occasional spread of misinformation in high-stakes military zones. Today, the IDF stands by its statement from that year, reiterating that no Israeli fighter jet was hit by a missile in the reported incident. The F-35I “Adir” remains a key player in Israel’s defense strategy, particularly along borders where tensions persist.
Despite the Syrian Defense Forces claiming that their air defenses “responded and directly hit one of the jets,” Israeli officials have consistently countered these claims. Experts agree that a successful strike by an outdated S-200 missile was unlikely.
The rumored missile strike on an Israeli F-35 was, in the end, more myth than reality. Israel’s Air Force continues to prioritize the safety and functionality of its fleet, ensuring that each F-35I remains a formidable force in the skies.