Israeli F-35I Fighter Jet Downs Iranian Yak-130 Over Tehran in First Air-to-Air Kill

An Israeli F-35I 'Adir' fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran, marking the first-ever air-to-air kill by an F-35 and Israel's first such engagement in nearly 40 years. The Yak-130, a Russian-made trainer jet used in combat roles, was deployed for air defense amid escalating US-Israel strikes on Iran following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Israel also conducted broader strikes targeting Iranian security and missile sites, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, intensifying regional conflict.