The F-35 fighter jet is understood to have been struck over central Iran with state media sharing images online of what appeared to be American aircraft in the area including helicopters and drones
A United States fighter jet has been brought down over Iran, with state broadcasters reporting the pilots managed to eject.
The F-35 combat aircraft is believed to have been hit over central Iran, with state media subsequently posting footage online appearing to show American military hardware in the vicinity, including helicopters, aircraft and drones.
Two aviators are understood to have been aboard the jet and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that a second F-35 fighter jet was eliminated using an advanced defence system of the IRGC Aerospace Force and the aircraft was from the Lakenheath squadron.
During the conflict, Iran has issued numerous assertions about downing manned enemy jets which proved to be false. However, Friday marked the first occasion that Iran broadcast a televised appeal to the public to search for a suspected downed airman, reports the Mirror.
Several US media outlets and sources have verified the reports, following the initial assertions in Iranian press.
A public appeal for assistance indicates the Iranian military, police and security forces have a limited footprint in the rural territory that covers more than 15,500 square kilometres (5,900 square miles).
The province is predominantly inhabited by Iran’s Lur population, with many working in agriculture. The far south of the province marks the beginning of Iran’s oil reserves in the region. The Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency shared footage on its Telegram channel showing a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which it alleged was involved in a US search and rescue mission connected to the downed aircraft.
The post stated: “America’s attempt to free its downed fighter pilot has failed. Sources told Tasnim’s reporter in Kohgiluyeh that the Americans, starting an hour ago, conducted a search operation using Black Hawk helicopters and a Hercules 130 to free their fighter pilot who was shot down by Iran’s armed forces; however, their efforts have failed.”
The US military has not yet responded to these claims from Iranian media. Yesterday evening, CENTCOM, the US military command overseeing the region, posted on X dismissing an earlier Iranian assertion that a fighter had been brought down over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz as “false”.
Almost a fortnight ago, a US F-35 fighter jet carried out an emergency landing following damage from what was believed to be hostile fire.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login