Iran has claimed a historic first — striking a US F-35 stealth fighter jet during an active combat mission, a move that could reshape the narrative around air dominance in the ongoing conflict. A video circulating online appears to show the moment the jet was hit mid-air, with visible smoke and the aircraft veering off course. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says the strike happened over central Iranian airspace using advanced air defence systems. The United States has confirmed that an F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing after encountering a missile barrage, though officials have not confirmed a direct hit.
20 March,2026 03:33 PM IST
The United States is reportedly turning to Ukraine for help as Iran unleashes waves of Shahed attack drones across the Middle East. Washington is seeking Kyiv’s battlefield experience after Ukraine spent years defending against thousands of the same Iranian-made drones launched by Russia during the war.
06 March,2026 02:17 AM IST
Israel says its F-35I “Adir” stealth fighter jet has shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran, marking the first ever air-to-air kill by an F-35 in combat. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the interception happened during ongoing Israeli air operations targeting Iranian missile and military infrastructure. The historic shootdown also marks the first time in nearly four decades that the Israeli Air Force has engaged and destroyed a manned enemy aircraft in aerial combat. The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world, equipped with cutting-edge sensors, radar systems, and low-observability technology that allows it to detect and destroy threats before being seen.
05 March,2026 01:34 AM IST
The United States has mobilised a massive display of airpower and strategic military assets toward the Middle East, signaling possible preparations for extended operations near Iran. Elite F-22 Raptors have departed Virginia, joining F-16 fighter jets advancing from multiple bases across Europe and the US. These movements coincide with the deployment of high-altitude U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and E-3 Sentry AWACS planes to the UK, enhancing airborne surveillance and providing critical intelligence support.
18 February,2026 06:22 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
