A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing on March 19, 2026, after being struck by suspected Iranian fire while conducting a combat mission over Iran. The incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first time Iran has successfully hit a US aircraft in the ongoing conflict.
The pilot of the F-35 is reported to be in stable condition, according to Captain Tim Hawkins, who stated, “The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition.” The incident is currently under investigation by US Central Command, with Captain Hawkins adding, “This incident is under investigation.”
The F-35, which costs upwards of $100 million, is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the US arsenal. This emergency landing adds to the growing list of US aircraft losses in the conflict, which includes three F-15s and a KC-135 Stratotanker.
Since the conflict began on February 28, at least 13 US service members have been killed in combat operations against Iran. In Iran, the toll has been even higher, with at least 1,444 people killed and 18,551 injured since the start of hostilities.
The US military has intensified its operations, striking approximately 7,000 targets inside Iran, including 40 Iranian mine-laying vessels. US goals in the region continue to focus on destroying Iran’s missile launchers and preventing the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon, as noted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
As the US military strikes deeper into Iranian territory, the situation remains fluid. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact cause of the F-35’s emergency landing and the timeline of the conflict moving forward.