US F-35 hit during Iran mission, makes emergency landing

DUBAI: A US F-35 stealth fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at an American air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, in what could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing war.

Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the fifth-generation aircraft was hit during an Iran combat mission, raising the possibility that Tehran has successfully targeted a US jet for the first time in the conflict.

US Central Command confirmed the incident, saying the aircraft was operating over Iran when it was forced to land.

“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson. “This incident is under investigation.”

While details remain limited, the development is notable given the F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities, which are designed to evade radar and air defence systems.

If confirmed, it would mark the first time Iran has struck a US aircraft since the war began in late February, potentially signalling a shift in the battlefield.

Both the United States and Israel have been deploying F-35 fighter jets extensively in operations against Iran, using them for precision strikes and deep-penetration missions.

The aircraft, which costs upwards of $100 million, is considered one of the most advanced combat jets in the world.

The incident comes as senior US officials continue to project confidence in the campaign.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States is “winning decisively” and that Iran’s air defence systems have been “flattened.”

However, the reported strike on an F-35 — if verified — could complicate that narrative and raise new questions about the resilience of Iran’s remaining capabilities.

What is the F-35 fighter jet?

• Fifth-generation stealth aircraft: Designed to evade radar, making it difficult for enemy air defences to detect and track.

• Multi-role combat jet: Used for air superiority, precision strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

• Advanced sensors and data fusion: Provides pilots with a comprehensive battlefield picture in real time.

• Used by US and allies: Widely deployed by the US military and key partners, including Israel.

• High cost, high value: Costs over $100 million per aircraft, making any damage or loss significant.

US losses in the war so far

According to Bloomberg, at least 16 US military aircraft have been lost or damaged since the start of the Iran war, including 10 Reaper drones that were destroyed. Six other aircraft were damaged in attacks or accidents, highlighting the operational risks despite official claims of battlefield dominance.

The US has also lost other aircraft during the conflict, though none previously confirmed to have been hit by enemy fire. Three F-15 fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences, with all six crew members ejecting safely.

Last week, a KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, killing all six personnel on board. The US military said the incident was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” and the cause remains under investigation.

The latest F-35 incident comes as questions grow over the trajectory of the conflict and what could follow. CNN previously reported that additional US forces are moving into the region, with officials confirming the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa along with the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group. The USS Tripoli was recently seen approaching Singapore.

The war is now nearing the end of its third week, even as senior US officials continue to project confidence. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s air defence systems had been “flattened” and warned that a new wave of strikes would be “the largest strike package yet.”

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth described the campaign — code-named Operation Epic Fury — as “laser-focused” and “decisive,” adding that the United States is winning the war “decisively and on our terms.”