A U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter executed an emergency landing at a regional U.S. airbase in the Middle East following damage sustained during a combat mission over Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed the incident on March 19, 2026, stating the aircraft landed safely and the pilot remains in stable condition. The event is under investigation, with no further details released on the damage cause.
The Wall Street Journal reported the F-35 completed its combat run before diverting to the unnamed base. CNN sources indicated the jet was struck by apparent Iranian anti-aircraft fire, potentially marking Iran’s first hit on a U.S. aircraft in the conflict. CENTCOM did not confirm hostile action. Iranian media claimed responsibility via the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), though unverified.
This marks the latest aircraft incident amid escalating U.S. operations under Operation Epic Fury, launched February 28 alongside Israel. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted strikes on over 7,000 Iranian targets, including air defenses and missile production. Casualties include 13 U.S. troops killed and about 200 wounded, mostly returned to duty.
Prior losses: a March 12 KC-135 crash in Iraq killed six airmen, unrelated to fire; March 1 friendly fire downed three F-15Es by Kuwaiti defenses, crews recovered. F-35s have conducted precision strikes and SEAD missions, despite ongoing TR-3 software delays.