US F-35 Struck in Latest Reported Strike on American Aircraft; Pilot Stable
A U.S. Air Force F‑35 stealth fighter was reportedly struck by suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran and forced to make an emergency landing at a Central Command air base, marking the first reported strike on American aircraft in this series of incidents.
Key Points
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1A U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet was reportedly struck by suspected Iranian fire during combat operations over West Asia on March 19.
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2The aircraft executed an emergency landing at a United States air base and landed safely according to official reports from the Central Command spokesperson, Captain Tim Hawkins.
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3Reports confirm that both F-35A models were involved in similar incidents of being hit by ground fire during missions over Iran on March 19.
Developments
A pilot survived an emergency landing after his F-35 fighter jet was reportedly struck by Iranian fire during Operation Epic Fury over Iran; meanwhile, six crew members aboard another U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker were killed in a crash that officials stated occurred due to mechanical failure rather than hostile or friendly action.
An U.S. Air Force pilot in stable condition landed safely after an emergency landing at a regional airbase following reports that the aircraft was struck by ground fire during combat operations over Iran, while Iranian authorities claimed they severely damaged it with their passive infrared-guided system and posted footage of what appeared to be such engagement on March 19.