TEHRAN, Mar 20: Iran on Thursday claimed it had become the first nation to strike a US F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced and valuable aircraft in the American arsenal and a key component of its fifth-generation warfare capability.
More than 19 countries currently operate or are preparing to operate the F-35, reflecting its high demand within the US Air Force and among allied nations.
A CNN report, citing US defence officials, confirmed that an F-35 made an emergency landing following what is believed to be an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) strike. The pilot was reported safe, and an investigation is underway.
According to a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the aircraft was targeted in central Iranian airspace around 2:50 a.m. local time using advanced air defence systems. The IRGC claimed the fate of the jet remains unclear, adding that the possibility of a crash is being examined.
The IRGC also stated that the incident followed the interception of more than 125 US-Israeli drones, indicating what it described as significant upgrades in Iran’s integrated air defence network.
The claim came a day after the White House described the F-35 as a symbol of “decisive American power” in a post on X.
US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins confirmed that the aircraft was on a combat mission over Iran when it was forced to land. “The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. The incident is under investigation,” he said.
If verified, the strike would mark the first known instance of Iran successfully hitting a US aircraft during the ongoing conflict, which began in late February. Both the US and Israel have been deploying F-35 jets in the conflict. Each aircraft is valued at over $100 million and is considered among the most advanced in the world.
Despite the incident, US officials have maintained that their broader campaign remains on track. Pete Hegseth said the US is “winning decisively” and claimed Iran’s air defence systems have been significantly weakened.
The conflict has also seen other setbacks. According to reports, three F-15 Eagle aircraft were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences, though all six crew members ejected safely.
In a separate incident last week, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq. The US military said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. All six crew members on board were killed.
Meanwhile, the US is reinforcing its presence in the region. A US official confirmed the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa along with the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, including the USS Tripoli, which was recently spotted near Singapore. (Agency)
