US F‑35 Reportedly Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire, Makes Emergency Landing

A United States F‑35 Lightning II fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after it was reportedly struck by suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran. According to US Central Command, the aircraft returned safely and the pilot is in stable condition, though the incident remains under investigation.

The episode, if confirmed, would mark the first instance of Iran striking a U.S. aircraft since the conflict escalated in February, adding a new level of tension to an already volatile regional environment. The F‑35, one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets in service, carries a price tag exceeding $100 million, underscoring the seriousness of the reported strike.

Initial information suggests the aircraft was conducting a mission over Iran when it encountered hostile fire. US officials have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the damage or the weapon system involved. CNN and other outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported that the jet was believed to have been hit by Iranian fire, though independent verification is still lacking.

A spokesperson for CENTCOM, Capt. Tim Hawkins, stated that the aircraft landed safely and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. No additional details regarding the aircraft variant or the unit involved have been released.

If validated, this would be the first known case of an F‑35 being hit by enemy fire, a notable development given the jet’s stealth capabilities and its central role in US and allied air operations. It would also represent the first confirmed Iranian strike on a US aircraft since the start of the current conflict, which began in late February.

The broader conflict has already seen several US aircraft losses, including three F‑15E Strike Eagles in a friendly‑fire incident in Kuwait and a KC‑135 tanker lost over Iraq under unclear circumstances. However, no previous confirmed Iranian engagement against US aircraft has been reported until now.