BlockBeats News, March 19th, According to two sources familiar with the matter, a U.S. F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a U.S. airbase in the Middle East after being hit by suspected Iranian artillery fire. Captain Tim Hopkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said that the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was on a combat mission over Iran’s airspace at the time and was forced to land urgently. Hopkins stated that the aircraft landed safely and that the incident is under investigation. This would be the first time Iran has hit a U.S. aircraft since the start of the war at the end of February.
Both the U.S. and Israel have used F-35 fighter jets in the conflict, with the cost of this aircraft exceeding $100 million. The emergency landing comes as senior U.S. officials continue to claim widespread military success against Iran. Defense Secretary Haggis said Thursday morning that the U.S. is “achieving a decisive victory,” and Iran’s air defense systems have been “destroyed.” (CNN)
