A US F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after it was hit by what officials believe may have been Iranian fire, CNN reported, citing two sources.
The stealth aircraft was on a combat mission over Iran when the incident reportedly occurred, marking a potentially significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in late February.
Statement by US Central Command
Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, confirmed the emergency landing and said the situation was under investigation.
“The plane landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins said. “This incident is under investigation.
Hawkins added that the aircraft was “flying a combat mission over Iran” at the time it was damaged.
First known attack on American aircraft
If confirmed, the incident would mark the first time Iran has successfully shot down a US aircraft during the current conflict. Both American and Israeli forces are deploying F-35 fighter jets to operations throughout the region. Each plane is estimated to cost more than $100 million.
Other aircraft losses in the conflict
While this may be the first instance of enemy fire damaging a US aircraft, the US military has already suffered other air losses during the war.
Three US F-15 fighter jets were earlier shot down in what officials described as a friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti air defenses. All six crew members aboard these jets ejected safely.
In a separate incident last week, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq. US officials said the accident was not caused by enemy or friendly fire.
“The incident was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire,” the US military said in a statement.
The fatal crash of the KC-135
Unlike the other incidents, the KC-135 crash was fatal. All six crew members on board the refueling plane were killed.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
