US F-35 hit, forced to make emergency landing, IRGC takes credit

This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft in the war. Both the US and Israel are using F-35s, which are fifth-generation stealth jets costing upwards of $100 million.

An IDF F-35 „Adir” shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet on March 4, 2026.(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)ByDANYA SAPERSTEINMARCH 19, 2026 18:35Updated: MARCH 19, 2026 18:42

A US F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, CNN reported on Thursday, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Iranian media claimed the IRGC was behind the hit shortly after.

According to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, the F-35 was „flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was struck and was forced to make an emergency landing.

„The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” CNN quoted Hawkins as saying.

„The incident is under investigation,” Hawkins added.

An IAF F-35 participates in Operation Roaring Lion, March 5, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL AIR FORCE)

F-35s used by Israel, US military

This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft in the war. Both the US and Israeli air forces are using F-35s, which are fifth-generation stealth jets costing upwards of $100 million.

This comes after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Iran’s air defenses had been „flattened” in a Pentagon briefing Thursday morning and promised that the day would be „the largest strike package yet.”