According to Iranian state media, a sophisticated air defense system operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly shot down another American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet over central Iran on Friday. As reported by Press TV, a spokesperson from Iran's Khatam al-Anbia headquarters stated that the aircraft was downed using a newly deployed air defense system associated with the IRGC Aerospace Force.

The report indicated that the incident resulted in a massive explosion, leading officials to believe that the pilot had little chance of ejecting or surviving the crash. According to Press TV, the spokesperson from Khatam al-Anbia headquarters mentioned, “A second American fifth-generation F-35 aircraft was targeted and shot down by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air defense system over central Iran. Given the timing of the collision and the severe explosion during the incident, the likelihood of the pilot ejecting is minimal.

Reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) echoed this claim, stating that the advanced stealth aircraft was downed by the modern air defense system of the IRGC's Laknith Squadron. The IRGC's Laknith Squadron successfully targeted and brought down another American F-35 fighter jet in the skies of central Iran. Due to the violent explosion upon impact, the chances of the pilot ejecting are deemed unlikely, as per information provided by Muhammad Muhammad (PBUH) from the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iranian media has also released footage of the attack, showing a missile piercing through the clouds towards the F-35. The IRGC claimed this incident demonstrates the success of their new air defense technology, which is capable of challenging American stealth capabilities. The U.S. military has yet to officially confirm this claim; however, reports of attacks targeting the F-35 have been increasing in recent weeks. Previously, on March 19, Iran asserted that it had become the first country in the world to attack the American F-35 Lightning II, one of the most valuable aircraft in the U.S. arsenal and a cornerstone of its fifth-generation combat capabilities. More than 19 countries have either operated or are preparing to operate the Lightning II, which is in high demand among the U.S. Air Force and its allies.

More photos from the downed US F-35 fighter jet in central Iran
Follow:

— Press TV