Has Iran brought down an ‘unkillable’ US F-35 jet?

Al Jazeera
March 23, 2026
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3 min read

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Iran claims to have downed a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet, though the U.S. military has not confirmed the loss.

AI Summary

Iran has claimed to have downed a U.S. F-35 fighter jet, a development that would represent a significant military achievement if confirmed. The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft designed with advanced radar-avoidance technology and is considered one of the most capable combat jets in operation. The claim raises questions about either the aircraft's vulnerability to Iranian air defenses or the circumstances under which it was allegedly struck. The U.S. military has not yet confirmed the loss of an F-35 or provided details on the incident. Any confirmed downing of the aircraft would have major implications for U.S. military operations in the region and for the broader credibility of stealth technology.

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