News Desk
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it struck and seriously damaged a United States F-35 fighter jet over central Iran using its air defence systems, in what Tehran describes as a historic first . However, a US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman confirmed that the aircraft, which was on a combat mission over Iran, sustained damage and was forced to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East, with the pilot reported safe and in stable condition .
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the fifth-generation stealth fighter landed safely and that an investigation has been launched into the incident . US officials have not provided details on the extent of the damage or the exact cause, but earlier reports from CNN, citing two sources familiar with the matter, indicated the aircraft was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire while flying over central Iran . The IRGC released video footage it claims shows the aircraft being hit, though the footage has not been independently verified . The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter costing approximately $100 million and is regarded as one of the most advanced combat aircraft in service . If confirmed as a successful strike, the incident would mark the first time Iran has hit an actively flying US fighter jet since hostilities began in late February . The United States has already recorded other aviation losses during the conflict, including three F-15 fighter jets downed by friendly fire in Kuwait and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members on board . The incident comes as the US and Israel continue joint operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury, which was launched on February 28 and has so far involved strikes on more than 5,000 targets across Iran, including command centres, IRGC sites, missile facilities and naval vessels .
