Iran Claims Second US F-35 Shot Down Over Central Iran
Tehran, April 3, 2026 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that its air defence systems have shot down a second US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet over central Iran, marking a major development in the ongoing conflict.
According to Iranian military officials, the aircraft was intercepted and destroyed over Markazi Province using what they described as an advanced indigenous air defence system. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
IRGC Says Jet “Completely Destroyed”
Statements from the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Headquarters, reported by state-linked outlets such as Mehr News Agency, Fars News, and Press TV, said the jet was “completely destroyed” in the strike.
Officials claimed:
- The aircraft exploded on impact
- Debris was scattered across the crash site
- Pilot survival is “unlikely”
Iranian media released images of alleged wreckage showing markings, including “LN” tail codes linked to the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK.
Authorities described the incident as a major success for Iran’s domestically developed radar and missile systems against advanced stealth technology.
Previous Incident in March
This claim follows an earlier incident on March 19, 2026, when Iran also reported hitting a US F-35.
In that case:
- US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the aircraft was damaged
- The jet made an emergency landing at a US base
- The pilot survived with injuries
US officials rejected Iran’s claim of a full shoot-down, calling it a case of limited damage instead.
No Immediate US Confirmation
As of now, there has been no official confirmation or denial from the Pentagon or CENTCOM regarding the latest claim.
In previous cases, US authorities have:
- Denied losing aircraft
- Stated all jets were accounted for
- Described incidents as exaggerated
Independent verification is currently not available due to restricted access and ongoing conflict conditions.
Doubts and Verification Challenges
Military analysts remain cautious about the claim.
Some experts have pointed out:
- Wreckage images can sometimes resemble parts from other aircraft like F-15s
- Lack of satellite confirmation raises questions
- No independent or third-party verification yet
However, Iranian officials insist the markings clearly identify the aircraft as an F-35.
Impact on Ongoing Conflict
The reported incident comes as the US-Iran conflict, which began in late February 2026, continues to intensify.
If confirmed, the downing of an F-35 — one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets in the world — would be a significant moment.
It could:
- Challenge perceptions of US air superiority
- Boost Iran’s military and political messaging
- Influence future air operations in the region
At the same time, the situation highlights the growing role of information warfare, where both sides present competing narratives.
Conclusion
Iran’s claim of shooting down a second US F-35 marks another dramatic moment in the ongoing conflict, but the lack of independent confirmation leaves many questions unanswered.
As tensions rise and both sides continue military operations, clarity may emerge in the coming days through official statements or verified international reports.
For now, the incident reflects both the intensity of the conflict and the uncertainty surrounding events on the ground and in the air.
You Might Also Like:
Trump Weighs High-Risk US Commando Raid on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Amid Escalating War
Massive ‘No Kings’ Protests Sweep Across USA as Millions Rally Against Trump Policies and Iran War
Iran Claims Strike on US Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Says AWACS Plane Destroyed in Missile and Drone Attack
