Israel is exploring the idea of fielding an F-35-inspired fighter with one crucial aspect taken out of the equation: the human pilot.
An undisclosed Israeli official said the move aims to expand domestic defense production and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign military aid.
The proposed pilotless aircraft would combine advanced sensor systems and precision-strike capabilities, with AI serving as the onboard decision-making system.
It is also expected to integrate with network-centric combat technologies, allowing it to operate as an uncrewed wingman alongside traditionally crewed aircraft.
According to reports, the autonomous fighter could reshape future air warfare by enabling commanders to conduct high-risk missions without putting pilots in harm’s way.
The Israeli official said discussions remain at an early stage, adding that international collaboration could help shape the concept’s development.
The F-35 Blueprint
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 features a low-observable design that allows it to operate in contested airspace with a reduced risk of detection.
Its advanced sensor suite can also collect, process, and share battlefield data from multiple sources, giving operators greater situational awareness.
These stealth and sensing capabilities could serve as a foundation for Israel’s future pilotless fighter concept, potentially combining a reduced radar signature, advanced intelligence gathering, and autonomous capabilities.
Jerusalem currently operates 48 F-35 aircraft after initially ordering 50 jets. The country placed an additional order for 50 more aircraft in 2024, with the first deliveries expected by 2031.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the platform has been a vital tool in its recent war with Iran, saying it “once again demonstrated the Israeli Air Force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel.”
A Push for Homegrown Airpower
The proposed fighter forms part of Israel’s broader strategy to gradually replace US-made military equipment with domestically developed platforms, research, and technology over the next decade.
Officials said the effort could give the country greater operational flexibility regardless of geopolitical shifts or restrictions on military exports.
Compared with Israel’s existing tactical aircraft, the proposed fighter would be designed for high-risk missions, combining stealth characteristics with advanced battlefield systems and autonomous capabilities.
