India, March 4 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that an Israeli F-35I successfully shot down an Iranian YAK-130 during the initial air battle of the conflict between Israel and Iran. This information was revealed at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, signifying a major escalation and emphasizing Israel's position as a leader in contemporary air combat. However, a confirmation from Iranian authorities is still awaited.

This incident represents the first occasion on which an F-35 has downed a manned aircraft.

Additionally, it is the first instance in approximately 40 years that the Israeli Air Force has participated in air-to-air combat involving manned aircraft.

The last occasion on which IAF jets engaged and shot down a manned enemy ...