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Iran detected and damaged a US F-35 stealth jet in combat. Chinese experts map out how

The first known combat damage to an F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft from a likely Iranian attack suggests that stealth jets can be detected by electro-optical/infrared…

By Samantha Johnson / March 20, 2026
The first known combat damage to an F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft from a likely Iranian attack suggests that stealth jets can be detected by electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems, according to Chinese analysts.

US Central Command reported that the stealth fighter was forced to make an emergency landing during a combat mission over Iran on Thursday.

“We are aware of reports that a US F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing at a regional US airbase after flying a combat mission over Iran,” spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said in a statement.

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“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation.”

While the exact details and timeline are unconfirmed, the incident may mark the first time Iran has damaged a US fighter jet since joint US-Israeli air strikes triggered the war on February 28.

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a separate statement saying it targeted a US aircraft over central Iran.

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