WASHINGTON: A US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, CNN reported on Thursday citing two sources familiar with the matter.
A spokesperson for US Central Command, Tim Hawkins, confirmed the incident, saying the aircraft was operating over Iran when it encountered a problem.
“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins said as quoted by CNN. He addied that the incident remains under investigation.
Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the fifth-generation fighter was likely struck by Iranian fire during the operation over Iran, although officials did not confirm the exact cause.
If verified, it would be the first known instance of Iran hitting a US manned aircraft in the current war, which began in late February.
Analysts said it remains unclear how the aircraft was damaged, noting that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is designed to evade radar and advanced air defence systems.
They suggested the damage could have been caused by shrapnel from a missile or small-arms fire if the aircraft was flying at lower altitude.
The F-35 is among the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, used for precision strikes, surveillance and electronic warfare.
It is widely deployed by the United States and its allies, including Israel, in operations over Iran.
Each aircraft costs upwards of $100 million, making any damage or loss strategically and financially significant.
Broader air campaign against Iran
The incident comes amid an intensifying US-led air campaign against Iran.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier that US forces were “winning decisively” and that Iran’s air defence systems had been “flattened”.
However, military officials have acknowledged that Iran retains some capability.
General Dan Caine said the United States currently holds only “localised air superiority” over parts of Iranian airspace.
Previous losses and incidents
The F-35 incident follows a series of losses and accidents involving US aircraft since the start of the war.
At least 16 US military aircraft have reportedly been destroyed or severely damaged, including multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down by Iranian defences, according to South China Morning Post.
Three F-15 fighter jets were also lost in friendly fire incidents over Kuwait, while a KC-135 refuelling tanker crashed during operations, killing all six crew members.
Air defences still a factor
Despite early strikes targeting Iran’s air defence systems, US officials acknowledge that they have not been completely neutralised.
Military analysts say the continued presence of Iranian air defences complicates operations, particularly efforts to secure critical areas such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has relied heavily on unmanned systems such as Reaper drones in high-risk missions, given their lower cost and lack of onboard crew.
The reported damage to an F-35 could raise questions about the resilience of Iran’s remaining military capabilities and the risks facing US forces operating in contested airspace.
While officials stressed that the pilot was safe and the aircraft recovered, the incident underscores the evolving nature of the conflict as both sides continue to test each other’s capabilities.
