CNN today, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that a US F-35 stealth fighter made an emergency landing at an air base in the Middle East after a suspected hit from Iranian fire.

Colonel Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), later confirmed that an F-35 had to make an emergency landing while on a combat mission over Iran. "The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. The incident is under investigation," he said.

The specific F-35 variant, which costs 82-135 million USD per aircraft depending on the version, and the service operating it, remain unclear. If confirmed, this would mark the first time Iran has struck a US manned aircraft since the conflict escalated on 28/2.

A US F-35A fighter participating in Operation Frightful Fury on 2/3. Photo: USAF

The incident occurred as senior US officials continued to assert that the campaign against Iran was succeeding. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on 19/3 that the US was gaining a clear advantage and had severely degraded Iran's air defense network, though he acknowledged Tehran "still possessed certain capabilities."

Tyler Rogoway, a commentator for the military specialized publication War Zone, warned last week that US and Israeli forces still faced risks when operating deep within Iranian territory.

"This is especially true when the adversary possesses mobile air defense systems, capable of appearing almost anywhere and giving aircrews minimal time to react. These systems can conceal themselves effectively and will continue to be present on the battlefield long after fixed air defense sites are completely destroyed," Rogoway added.

The US and Israel have not lost any manned combat aircraft over Iran, but Iranian air defense units have shot down at least 11 US MQ-9 Reaper armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an unspecified number of Hermes 900 aircraft, among the most advanced UAVs in Israel's inventory.

Huyen Le (According to CNN)