An image of what is claimed to be the wreckage of an F-35I Adir shot down by the Islamic regime is being circulated on social media. If true, this would be the second time that a US-origin stealth aircraft has been downed in combat.
Iran’s state-run Press TV was quick to note: “Iran has earned the distinction of being the first country in the world to successfully shoot down fifth-generation fighter jets by targeting two stealth F-35 fighters belonging to the Zionist regime.”
The IDF categorically denied the claims. “Fake Iranian media,” said Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman. “This news being spread by Iranian media is completely baseless.”
Read more: Iran retaliates against Israel
Initial reports about the Israeli strikes under ‘Operation Rising Lion’ noted that the F-35I Adir flew almost 2,000 kilometers, evading Iran’s air defense systems to carry out the precision strikes. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) disclosed that the strike was launched in coordination between the F-35I, the F-16, and the F-15.
Media reports highlighted the cutting-edge capabilities of the F-35IA Adir, such as a unique combination of stealth, sensor fusion, and precision, that allowed the IAF to target Iranian nuclear facilities. Experts lauded the advanced avionics and integrated electronic warfare systems of the aircraft that enabled it to penetrate a sophisticated air defense network.
However, Israel failed to consider that even the most formidable stealth aircraft are not completely invisible to radars. Alternatively, they may have underestimated the Iranian air defense systems.
After the initial hullabaloo was over, Iran struck back with a volley of drones and ballistic missiles at the Israeli capital, Tel Aviv, hitting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Headquarters, as well as the city of Jerusalem. The retaliation was accompanied by Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s, pledge to “bring ruin to the zionist regime.”
While the scale of damage caused to Israel overnight is still emerging, Iran has also claimed to have downed two F-35I Adir.
An Iranian Army source told national media that Iran’s air defenses intercepted two Israeli F-35 fighter jets that violated its airspace on June 13, downing both aircraft and apprehending one pilot after she ejected and parachuted into Iran’s territory.
