U.S. F-35 Pilot in ‘Stable Condition’ After Suspected Iran Strike

If confirmed, it would be the first successful Iranian attack on an American military fighter since conflict escalated in late February.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 04:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

If confirmed, the reported Iranian strike on an American F-35 fighter would be the first successful strike by an adversary on U.S. aircraft since conflict in the Middle East escalated last month. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing after being hit by suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran, with the pilot reported in stable condition.
Both U.S. sources and Iran's IRGC claim responsibility for the strike, which, if confirmed, would be Iran's first successful attack on an American or Israeli aircraft since the conflict escalated.
The incident underscores the effectiveness of Iran's air defenses, potentially utilizing passive infrared sensors that pose a challenge to stealth aircraft, despite previous claims of Western air superiority.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The pilot of a U.S. Air Force F-35 is in “stable condition” after the fighter jet made an “emergency landing” at an American airbase in the Middle East due to suspected Iranian fire, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins told FLYING.

Two sources told CNN, which first reported the incident Thursday, that Iran was responsible for the strike, which occurred as the F-35 was “flying a combat mission over Iran,” Hawkins said. He said the aircraft landed safely and that CENTCOM is investigating.