US F-35 Fighter Jet Struck by Iranian Fire; Emergency Landing Made

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US F-35 Fighter Jet Struck by Iranian Fire; Emergency Landing Made

1 hour ago

News sources:

INDIATIMES

SCMP

US F-35 Fighter Jet Struck by Iranian Fire; Emergency Landing Made

Credited from: SCMP

A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing after being struck by Iranian fire.
This incident marks the first reported strike against a US aircraft in the ongoing conflict.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to have caused serious damage to the aircraft.

A US F-35 fighter jet had to make an emergency landing after being struck by Iranian fire while conducting a combat mission over Iran, according to Indiatimes and SCMP. Captain Tim Hawkins from US Central Command stated that the aircraft landed safely and that the pilot is in stable condition, while the incident is currently under investigation.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps asserted that it struck and “seriously damaged” the F-35, stating that the aircraft's fate was uncertain and it could potentially have crashed, as reported by AA. This incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities as the US and Israel have been actively engaged in military operations against Iran since late February.

Previously, there have been reports of significant losses among US military aircraft operating in the region, with at least 16 aircraft destroyed since the conflict began, as indicated by SCMP. Notably, this includes unmanned Reaper drones targeted by Iranian defenses, suggesting ongoing threats to US air operations in the area.