US F-35 Stealth Fighter Jet Reportedly Shot by Iran [Video]

A United States F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after it was struck during a combat mission over Iran, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said the fifth generation stealth aircraft was operating over Iran when it was forced to land. He confirmed that the jet landed safely and that the pilot remained in stable condition.

Hawkins said authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and did not provide further operational details.

If confirmed, the development would mark the first reported instance of Iran striking a US aircraft since the conflict escalated in late February. The F-35, used by both the United States and Israel, is among the most advanced and expensive fighter jets, with a cost exceeding $100 million.

Separately, Iran’s state run Press TV claimed that Iranian air defenses targeted and hit an American F-35 over central Iran and released footage it said showed the moment of the strike. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.

Iran releases footage capturing the moment Iranian air defenses locked on and struck an American F-35 fighter jet over central Iran.

Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J pic.twitter.com/GFywxuZIVW

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) March 19, 2026

The incident comes as US officials continue to state that their campaign against Iran is progressing successfully, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying the United States is “winning decisively” and has significantly degraded Iran’s air defenses.