Iran has claimed that it successfully targeted a U.S.-made F-35 fighter jet, valued at approximately $100 million, causing damage that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the region. If confirmed, this would mark the first time Iran has publicly asserted it intercepted an F-35 during an active conflict. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the strike was carried out using what it described as an “advanced air defense system.” According to the announcement, the incident occurred around 2:50 a.m. local time on Friday, March 20, 2026, over central Iranian airspace.
The IRGC’s official statement mentioned that the exact status of the aircraft remains unclear and is still under investigation. However, it suggested that the likelihood of the jet being destroyed is “very high.” In the same statement, the IRGC also claimed that 125 long-range drones from the U.S. and Israel have been intercepted during the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that the weapon used in the attack was a domestically produced surface-to-air missile known as the “358 missile,” or SA-67. This missile system, which entered service in the late 2010s, is designed to target both aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Military analysts believe that the missile combines traditional anti-aircraft system features with loitering drone technology, allowing it to stay airborne for extended periods while waiting for targets before striking. Despite these claims, independent verification has yet to be provided, and details about the incident remain scarce. The F-35 is known for its advanced stealth technology, making it difficult to detect and intercept. As with many claims during active conflicts, this report should be treated with caution until confirmed by credible sources or official U.S. statements.
