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Iran Claims 2nd F-35 Downing; Pilot Survival Deemed Unlikely

Iranian state media claims its Revolutionary Guard Corps downed a second US F-35 stealth fighter over central Iran using a modern air-defense system. Officials stated the crash caused a massive explosion, making it unlikely the pilot ejected. This follows a similar claim from March 19, when Iran said it became the first nation to strike an F-35. A CNN report, citing US officials, confirmed an F-35 made an emergency landing after an Iranian missile barrage, with the pilot safe.

Key Points: Iran Claims Second US F-35 Shot Down, Pilot Likely Lost

  • Iran claims second F-35 downing
  • New IRGC air-defense system used
  • Pilot survival deemed unlikely
  • Follows earlier March 19 claim
  • US officials confirmed an F-35 emergency landing
3 min read

Iran claims to shoot 2nd US F-35; pilot reportedly unlikely to have ejected

Iranian state media reports a second US F-35 fighter jet was downed by a new IRGC air-defense system, with the pilot unlikely to have survived the crash.

"Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected - Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Spokesman"

Tehran, April 3

A second US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was struck and downed over central Iran by a modern air-defence system of the Islamic Republic's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with officials saying the pilot is unlikely to have ejected, Iranian state media reported on Friday.

According to state media Press TV, citing a statement attributed to the Spokesman of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, it was claimed the jet was downed by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system.

It further stated that the impact and crash generated a "massive explosion" that made pilot survival unlikely.

"A second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected," Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Spokesman stated as quoted by Press TV.

The same claims were made by the Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), stating that the advanced stealth aircraft was shot down by the IRGC's modern air defence system from the Lakenheath squadron.

"The second US F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet was hit and crashed in the central Iranian sky by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' modern air defence system from the LAKEN-HEATH squadron. Due to the severe explosion of the fighter jet upon impact and fall, it is unlikely that the pilot ejected," PBUH stated as reported by IRIB.

Earlier, on March 19, Iran claimed to have become the first nation in the world to strike a US F-35 Lightning 2, one of the most valuable US aircraft and the backbone of the US's fifth-generation warfighting capabilities.

Over 19 countries have already flown or are preparing to fly the Lightning 2, which is in great demand both within the USAF and among its allies.

A CNN report, citing US defence officials, confirmed that an F-35 did perform an emergency landing after an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway.

IRGC said it had successfully hit a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet in central Iran's airspace. According to a statement released by the IRGC on its official news website on Thursday, the jet was struck at 2:50 am local time by the IRGC's advanced, modern air defence systems.

"The fate of the fighter jet is unclear and under investigation, and the likelihood of its crash is very high," it said.

The IRGC noted that the interception follows the successful downing of more than 125 US-Israeli drones by Iran's defence systems, signalling significant and purposeful upgrades in the country's integrated air defence network.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article mentions CNN reporting a safe pilot and emergency landing. We should wait for independent verification. Iranian state media has a history of propaganda. Hoping for peace and no escalation that affects global oil prices. 🙏
V
Vikram M
First of all, my thoughts are with the pilot and his family. War is never the answer. As an Indian, I see this as a dangerous game of one-upmanship. We have good relations with both sides; we should use our diplomatic channels to urge restraint.
P
Priya S
The technology angle is fascinating. If Iran truly has systems that can take down an F-35, it's a huge deal. Makes you wonder about the effectiveness of our own air defence against such stealth aircraft. DRDO should be taking notes.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, the media should be more critical. The report is full of "claimed" and "reportedly." We are getting information from Iranian state media and unnamed US officials. Where is the proof? This feels like a narrative being pushed from both sides.
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Nisha Z
The timing is suspicious. Always before some major negotiation or to divert from internal issues. Hope our government maintains a balanced foreign policy. We need stability in the region for our diaspora and trade. Jai Hind.

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