US F35 Stealth Fighter Jet Reportedly Shot by Iran [Video]

US F‑35 stealth fighter jet reportedly Shot by Iranian air defenses during a mission over Iran. The jet made an emergency landing, pilot safe, investigation underway.

A United States F‑35 stealth fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being struck during a combat mission over Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Al Jazeera

Iran releases footage capturing the moment Iranian air defenses locked on and struck an American F-35 fighter jet over central Iran.

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Official Confirmation US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed that the fifth‑generation aircraft was operating over Iran when it was hit. He stated that the jet landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition. An investigation has been launched, though no further operational details were provided. US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

Significance of the Incident

If verified, this would mark the first reported instance of Iran striking a US aircraft since the conflict escalated in late February. The F‑35, used by both the United States and Israel, is considered one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets in the world, with a price tag exceeding $100 million. US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

Iran’s Claim

Iran’s state‑run Press TV claimed that Iranian air defenses successfully targeted and hit the American F‑35 over central Iran. The outlet released video footage allegedly showing the strike, though the authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified. US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

US Response

Despite the reported incident, US officials maintain that their campaign against Iran is progressing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is “winning decisively” and has significantly degraded Iran’s air defense capabilities.

US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

Context

The event highlights the growing tensions in the region and raises questions about the vulnerability of advanced aircraft like the F‑35 in contested airspace. With both sides presenting conflicting narratives, independent verification will be crucial in determining the accuracy of Iran’s claims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Was the US F‑35 fighter jet really shot down by Iran? Reports suggest the jet was struck during a mission over Iran, but US officials have only confirmed that it made an emergency landing. The authenticity of Iran’s claim and video footage has not been independently verified.

Q2: What is the current condition of the pilot? US Central Command confirmed that the pilot landed safely and remains in stable condition.

Q3: Why is this incident significant? If confirmed, it would be the first reported instance of Iran striking a US aircraft since the conflict escalated in late February.

Q4: How much does an F‑35 fighter jet cost? The F‑35 is among the most advanced and expensive fighter jets in the world, with a cost exceeding $100 million.

Q5: What did Iran’s Press TV claim? Iran’s state‑run Press TV claimed that Iranian air defenses hit the F‑35 over central Iran and released video footage of the alleged strike. The footage has not been independently verified. US F‑35 stealth fighter jet

Q6: What has been the US response? US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, maintain that the United States is “winning decisively” and has significantly degraded Iran’s air defenses despite the reported incident.

Q7: What happens next? US authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. More details are expected once the inquiry concludes.