Iran Claims to Shoot Down Second US F-35 Fighter Jet

Tehran [Iran], April 3:
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for shooting down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. Iranian officials stated that the IRGC struck the jet with a modern air-defence system and that the pilot likely did not eject due to the severity of the crash.

IRGC Downs Second F-35 Fighter Jet

State media reported that the IRGC Aerospace Force downed the jet using a new air-defence system. The spokesman for Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters confirmed that the crash caused a massive explosion, making it unlikely for the pilot to survive.

“The second US F-35 fell over central Iran after the IRGC Aerospace Force struck it with a new air-defence system. The explosion from the crash makes it unlikely the pilot ejected,” the spokesman said.

Reaffirmed by IRIB and Prophet Headquarters

The Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) echoed these claims. They said the IRGC used the Lakenheath squadron’s air-defence system. The explosion’s intensity further supported the assumption that the pilot did not eject.

Iran’s First F-35 Downing and US Response

On March 19, Iran claimed to be the first nation to shoot down a US F-35 Lightning 2. This stealth aircraft is a major part of the US’s fifth-generation capabilities. A CNN report confirmed that an F-35 had to make an emergency landing after Iranian surface-to-air missiles struck it. US officials confirmed the pilot was safe, and they are investigating the incident.

IRGC Strikes Another F-35

The IRGC reported that it struck another US F-35 in central Iran’s airspace at 2:50 AM local time. The jet is now under investigation, but the IRGC believes the crash is highly likely.

Iran’s Strengthening Air Defence Capabilities

The IRGC also pointed out that Iran had successfully downed more than 125 US-Israeli drones. This highlights the significant improvements in Iran’s air-defence systems, which allow it to target advanced aircraft with greater efficiency.