A US F-35 made an emergency landing at an American air base in the Middle East after suspected Iranian fire hit the aircraft during a combat mission, according to U.S. officials and multiple media reports. The jet landed safely, and the pilot was in stable condition, while U.S. Central Command said the incident remained under investigation.
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said officials were aware of reports that the aircraft had made an emergency landing after flying a combat mission over Iran. He did not confirm what caused the damage, but he said the aircraft landed safely and that the pilot’s condition was stable.
US F-35 incident marks a new turn
If confirmed as an Iranian hit, the episode would mark the first reported case of Iranian fire striking a U.S. F-35 during the current conflict. The aircraft is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the U.S. arsenal. While the reported damage could raise new questions about the risks facing American aircraft operating over Iran.
The incident also comes after other U.S. aircraft losses during the war. Reports have said the United States has already lost several aircraft since the conflict began. These include three F-15s in friendly-fire incidents involving Kuwaiti forces and a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq. However, none of those earlier cases were publicly linked to direct Iranian fire.
Conflict toll continues to rise
The United States and Israel launched their offensive against Iran after a major U.S. military buildup in the region that included F-35 aircraft. Since the war began on Feb. 28, at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed, according to reports citing U.S. military figures. Around 200 U.S. personnel have also been wounded across several countries in the Middle East, although most have returned to duty.
For now, officials have not released further details on the aircraft’s damage, the mission or the location of the landing. Still, the reported strike adds to signs that the conflict remains dangerous despite repeated U.S. claims of air superiority over Iran.
