A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at an American air base in the Middle East after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, CNN reported citing sources familiar with the matter.
CNN reported that Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), said the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to land.
“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins said, adding, “This incident is under investigation.”
If confirmed, the development would mark the first time Iran has successfully struck a US aircraft since the conflict began in late February. Both the US and Israel have deployed F-35 fighter jets in the ongoing campaign.
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The advanced aircraft is estimated to cost upwards of $100 million.
The incident comes even as senior US officials continue to project confidence in the military campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that the US is “winning decisively” and claimed Iran's air defence systems have been “flattened.”
Zachary Cohen, Senior National Security reporter, covering the Pentagon for @CNN. Posted on his X handle.
“A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, sources tell @halbritz & @OrenCNN.
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“This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft (in this case a stealth, 5th generation fighter jet) since the war started.”
A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, sources tell @halbritz & @OrenCNN.
— Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) March 19, 2026
This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft (in this case a stealth, 5th generation…
The F-35 was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to make an emergency landing, per Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spox for CENTCOM.
“The aircraft landed safely, & the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins added. “This incident is under investigation.”
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