Iran claims first-ever strike on US F-35, jet makes emergency landing

While the F-15s have been mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces, the KC-135 crashed in Iraq killing all six members onboard.

Amid the ongoing Middle East war, Iran claimed a strike on US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet, suggesting it to be the 'World's first' hit on the advanced fighter jet. A US F-35 was hit by Iran, reportedly forcing to make an emergency landing. While the hit has so far been described as a suspected one, the F-35's emergency landing has been confirmed by US officials.

The landing was made at the US air base in the Middle East.

The jet safely touched ground and the pilot is in stable condition, CNN reported while quoting Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command. The US official further informed the media that the fifth-generation stealth jet was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to make an emergency landing.

Both the US and Israel are flying F-35s in the conflict, and so far, the US has lost multiple aircraft including three F-15s and a KC-135. However, these cases didn't involve Iranian fire, unlike the recent case.

While the F-15s were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces, the other aircraft crashed in Iraq killing all six members onboard.

World's first hit on US F-35? Officials confirm fighter jet's emergency landing after Iranian strike. Credit: X

Thus, if Iran’s claim regarding the fighter jet's emergency landing is validated, it would create history. It would reportedly be the world's first strike on US F-35, noting the first time Tehran successfully targeted a US aircraft in the current conflict, which began in late Februrary.

F-35 is said to be the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world. It stands as the most advanced and connected fighter jet in the world, increasing pilot survivability and ensuring the U.S. and allied nations stay ahead of every threat, according to the jet's official website.