Multiple outlets report that a U.S. F‑35 flying a combat mission over Iran on March 19, 2026 was struck by Iranian air‑defense fire and forced to make an emergency landing. This is the first known successful hit on an F‑35 by any nation.
via Yahoo:
This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft in the war. Both the US and Israel are using F-35s, which are fifth-generation stealth jets costing upwards of $100 million.
A US F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, CNN reported on Thursday, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Iranian media claimed the IRGC was behind the hit shortly after.
According to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, the F-35 was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was struck and was forced to make an emergency landing.
“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” CNN quoted Hawkins as saying.
“The incident is under investigation,” Hawkins added.
CENTCOM confirms the jet was hit.