US F-35 fighter jet hit by Iranian fire, makes emergency landing

A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing  at an American military base in the Middle East after being struck by Iranian fire over Iranian territory, two sources familiar with the matter said, Ynet reports.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft landed safely, the pilot is in stable condition, and the event is under investigation. Officials noted that this marks the first time Iran has hit a US or Israeli aircraft since the start of the ongoing conflict.

“U.S. Central Command is conducting recovery operations,” CENTCOM said, adding that the pilot is unharmed and the situation is being carefully assessed.

The US military has experienced several aviation incidents during the war. Previously, a midair collision involving a KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq killed six American service members. CENTCOM clarified that the crash was not caused by enemy or friendly fire. The second KC-135 involved in that incident safely landed at Ben Gurion Airport after declaring an emergency.

By Vafa Guliyeva