Iran Claims to Have Downed US F-35 (PHOTOS)

(SeaPRwire) –   According to Axios, US authorities have verified the loss of an F-15 aircraft, with efforts to recover and rescue currently in progress.

Iranian armed forces assert they have downed an American F-35 fighter jet within their borders, as reported by local outlets like the Tasnim news agency. Conversely, US officials have acknowledged the loss of an F-15 and stated that a pilot has been saved.

Footage and photographs allegedly depicting the crash location have surfaced, showing wreckage and an ejected seat. The visuals display what looks like a tail fin and other components marked with the text: “US Air Forces in Europe.”

The Guardian reports that the aircraft may belong to the US Air Force’s 494th Squadron, which is stationed at the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, UK.

Citing internal sources, Axios reported that the lost plane was an F-15 rather than the more advanced F-35. CBS noted that one of the two crew members has been recovered, while the search for the other remains “ongoing.”

Iranian media outlets characterized the American rescue mission as a “failure.” Tasnim reported the involvement of a C-130 Hercules and at least two Black Hawk helicopters, one of which was reportedly hit, with social media images showing grey smoke rising from the craft.

Tasnim further stated that the Iranian military “likely” took the pilot into custody after they ejected and landed in the western part of the country.

A bombing campaign against Iran was initiated by the US and Israel on February 28. Although President Donald Trump asserted that Tehran’s retaliatory capabilities were significantly weakened, Iran has continued to strike US installations across the Middle East.

Tehran maintains it has downed at least two F-35 jets since hostilities began, though the US military has refuted these assertions. However, drone, satellite, and ground-level footage indicate that Iranian forces have successfully targeted several US radar systems and destroyed various aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane.