US F-35 aircraft makes emergency landing after a combat mission over Iran

"We are aware of reports that a US F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing at a regional US airbase after flying a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation."

"CNN reported cited two anonymous sources as saying that the plane, which cost up to $100m, was likely hit by Iran. Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a statement saying it targeted a US aircraft."

"Although F-35 stealth fighters have been deployed in combat operations since 2018, there have been no confirmed cases of one being struck by enemy fire."

A US F-35 fighter jet conducted an emergency landing at a regional airbase in the Middle East following a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely and the pilot remains in stable condition. CNN reported that the plane, valued at up to $100 million, was likely struck by Iran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement claiming it targeted a US aircraft. The US has not confirmed the cause of the emergency landing. This marks a significant incident as F-35 stealth fighters have seen combat deployment since 2018 without confirmed cases of enemy strikes. The incident occurs amid broader regional conflict involving multiple US aircraft losses and casualties.

Read at www.aljazeera.com