Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Iran Claims Downing Second U.S. F-35 with New Defense System

4/3/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Iran claimed on Friday it shot down a second United States F-35 over central Iran, valued at more than $100 million, per Mehr News Agency.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the aircraft was destroyed using a newly developed air defense system, with the pilot's survival considered unlikely.
The claim follows a prior incident two weeks earlier when another F-35 was hit during a combat mission, forcing an emergency landing.

1 of 1

Story summary

Iran claimed on Friday it shot down a second United States F-35 over central Iran, valued at more than $100 million, per Mehr News Agency.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the aircraft was destroyed using a newly developed air defense system, with the pilot's survival considered unlikely.
The claim follows a prior incident two weeks earlier when another F-35 was hit during a combat mission, forcing an emergency landing.