Iran claims downing of US F-35 (PHOTOS)
American officials have confirmed the loss of an F-15 jet, with a rescue and retrieval operation underway, according to Axios
The Iranian military has shot down a US F-35 fight jet over its territory, local media outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, have claimed. American officials confirmed the loss of an F-15 jet and claimed that one pilot has been rescued.
Photos and videos purporting to show the jet’s crash site, including pictures of the debris and an ejected pilot seat have been released. The images show what appears to be a tail fin and other parts of the aircraft with an inscription saying: “US Air Forces in Europe.”
According to The Guardian, the jet could be a part of the US Air Force’s 494th Squadron, based at Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, UK.
American news media outlet Axios reported, citing its sources, that the downed jet was an F-15 and not the latest generation F-35. According to CBS, one of the jet’s two crew members was rescued, with the search effort still “ongoing.”
Another enemy F-35 hit and downed by our #indigenous defence systems.
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 3, 2026
Iran is a force to be reckoned with.#Iran#F35#War pic.twitter.com/q1DhkTXrm3
The Iranian media claimed that the US rescue effort “failed.” The operation involved at least two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 Hercules aircraft, Tasnim reported. At least one of the helicopters was allegedly damaged during the operation, with photos published on social media showing grey smoke coming from it.
According to Tasnim, the Iranian military “likely” captured the pilot, who had ejected from the aircraft and landed in western Iran.
Who was looking for this? Turns out the ‘invisible’ seat wasn’t so invisible after all.
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 3, 2026
Of course, for security reasons, the fate of the pilot can’t be revealed… but isn’t it obvious?#F35#IRAN#War https://t.co/bEW5qqCyip pic.twitter.com/TLpefhxLbv
The US and Israel began a bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic on February 28. Despite claims by US President Donald Trump that Tehran’s ability to strike back has been severely diminished, Iran has hit American bases throughout the Middle East.
READ MORE: Iran claims destruction of US spy plane (PHOTOS)
Tehran has claimed shooting down at least two F-35 jets since the start of the war. The American military denied these claims. Satellite imagery, as well as drone and on-scene footage, suggests that the Iranian military managed to hit several US radars in the region, as well as destroy a number of planes, including an E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control aircraft.