Iran detected and damaged a US F-35 stealth jet in combat. Chinese experts map out how

Chinese analysts suggest Iran may have detected and damaged a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter using electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems during a combat mission over Iran on Thursday. U.S. Central Command confirmed that an F-35 made an emergency landing at a regional U.S. airbase following the mission, and the pilot is reported to be in stable condition. The incident is currently under investigation by the U.S. military. While details remain unconfirmed, this could be the first time Iran has damaged a U.S. fighter jet since joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes triggered the war on February 28. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for targeting a U.S. aircraft over central Iran.

On March 20, 2026, Iran's Tasnim news agency released a military video purportedly showing its air defense systems striking a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter. The video's release coincides with the U.S. military confirming that an F-35 made an emergency landing at a U.S. base located in the Middle East. The news agency did not state where the incident took place. The reason for the alleged attack was not specified in the report.

In the first three weeks of the war with Iran, the US military has suffered significant aircraft losses. At least 16 aircraft have been lost, including 10 Reaper strike drones and six other planes damaged or destroyed. The most serious incidents involved accidents, with three F-15s downed by friendly fire in Kuwait and a KC-135 tanker destroyed during a refueling operation, resulting in six fatalities. Iranian action is responsible for the destruction of nine Reapers, with one hit by a ballistic missile at an airfield in Jordan. Five KC-135s were also reportedly damaged by an Iranian missile strike while parked at a Saudi Arabian airfield. The Reapers were designed to be used in high-risk areas due to their lower cost and lack of pilots.