Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 3: Iran has claimed that it shot down a second US F-35 Lightning II fighter jet over central parts of the country, according to a report by Mehr News Agency, as cited by Reuters.

The report stated that the survival of the pilot is unlikely. Iran’s air defence reportedly targeted the aircraft over central regions, with authorities citing a massive explosion during the crash.

A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said, “A second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected.”

The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with Iran reportedly firing missiles towards Israel and some Gulf nations. Explosions were also heard in Tehran and the central city of Isfahan on Friday.

Meanwhile, the United States is preparing to further reinforce its already significant military presence in the region.

Earlier, on March 19, Iran had claimed it became the first country to strike a US F-35 Lightning II, considered one of the most advanced and valuable aircraft in the US military arsenal and a key component of its fifth-generation combat capabilities.

Iran’s consulate in Mumbai also shared a video of the downed jet on social media, stating that another F-35 had been hit by its indigenous defence systems, asserting the country’s growing military strength.