Iran hits US fighter jet for first time, F-35 makes emergency landing

2026-03-19 18:24:45Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Iran hits US fighter jet for first time, F-35 makes emergency landing
An American F-35 fighter jet

A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being hit by what is believed to be Iranian fire, according to two sources familiar with the matter, CNN reports.

Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to make an emergency landing. Hawkins said the aircraft landed safely and the incident is under investigation.

"The aircraft landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition," Hawkins added. "This incident is under investigation."

The incident would be the first time Iran has shot down a US aircraft in the war that began in late February.

Both the US and Israel are flying the F-35 in the conflict; the aircraft costs over $100 million.

The emergency reduction comes as senior US officials continue to claim widespread success in their campaign against Iran.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday morning that the US is "winning decisively" and that Iran's air defenses have been "flattened."


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