US F-35 Makes Emergency Landing After Combat Mission Over Iran

A US F-35 stealth fighter made an emergency landing at a regional airbase in the Middle East after a combat mission over Iran. CNN reported the jet was struck by Iranian anti-air fire. "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," said Cpt.

Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command. "The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation," Hawkins added. US Central Command declined to provide additional information. The reported engagement would mark the first time Iran has managed to hit a US aircraft with surface-to-air munitions, and Pentagon leaders have said that air superiority does not eliminate risks.

CENTCOM said a second, unidentified plane involved in the incident, which was not due to friendly or hostile fire, landed safely. The emergency landing came a week after a US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members.

Iran

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