U.S. Central Command confirmed the incident and said the situation remains under investigation. The aircraft was recovered at a regional base, and initial reports indicate it may have been hit by Iranian air defense systems.
“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command. “This incident is under investigation.”
If confirmed, the incident would mark the first time Iran has successfully struck a U.S. manned aircraft during the current conflict, which began in late February. Previous U.S. aircraft losses in the conflict, including three F-15E Strike Eagle jets and a KC-135 tanker, were not caused by Iranian action.
The F-15E aircraft were reportedly lost due to friendly fire involving Kuwaiti air defenses, while the KC-135 crash resulted from a mid-air collision. These incidents underscore the operational risks in a complex and congested battlespace.
Iranian forces have, however, inflicted damage on U.S. assets through attacks on air bases and air defense engagements. Several U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles have been lost, including at least 11 MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down by Iranian air defenses.
Israeli forces have also reported losses of unmanned systems over Iran, including at least nine drones such as the Heron and Hermes 900. These developments reflect the intensity of air defense operations across the conflict zone.
The F-35, a fifth-generation stealth aircraft valued at more than $100 million, remains a central element of U.S. and allied air operations. The incident highlights the evolving threat environment, even for advanced platforms operating in contested airspace.
Despite the incident, senior U.S. officials continue to express confidence in the broader campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is “winning decisively” and that Iran’s air defenses have been “flattened.”
Source: CNN.
