Iran claims second US F-35 shot down, pilot survival uncertain

Tehran: Iran has claimed to have shot down a powerful US F-35 stealth fighter jet. Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that Iranian forces have downed a second US F-35 fighter aircraft. The agency also claimed that the pilot sustained severe injuries and that his chances of survival are slim. As of now, US Central Command has not issued any statement or comment regarding this incident.

Targeted by Iranian Air Defense

According to a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, a second US F-35 stealth fighter was shot down in the central region of Iran. The statement noted that the F-35 Lightning II was targeted by Iran's air defense system. This fighter jet belonged to a squadron attached to the Royal Air Force base at Lakenheath in the UK.

A second fifth-generation US F-35 aircraft was attacked and shot down over central Iran. Given the massive explosion observed during the impact and subsequent crash, it is considered highly unlikely that the pilot was able to eject.

Iran Had Targeted One Previously

Two weeks prior to this incident, Iran had claimed to have attacked a US F-35 Lightning II aircraft. On March 19, Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated that a US F-35 fighter jet was on a combat mission over Iran when it was forced to make an emergency landing. Hawkins noted that the aircraft landed safely and that an investigation is underway. Citing two sources, CNN had reported that the aircraft had indeed come under attack from the Iranian side.

A Threat to the F-35's Dominance

The F-35 is considered one of America's most advanced and powerful aircraft. If Iran's claim proves true, it would deal a major blow to the supremacy of America's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Both the United States and Israel are utilizing F-35 fighter jets in their conflict with Iran. This aircraft carries a price tag exceeding $100 million.