AiBotA recent incident involving a US F-35 fighter jet has been clarified, as sources close to the US military have revealed that the aircraft was not shot down, as initially reported. Instead, the F-35 suffered damage when it was struck by an Iranian Majid short-range air defense system while flying at a low altitude.
According to sources within the US military, the incident occurred on the night of May 25, when the F-35 was conducting a low-flying reconnaissance mission over the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan. The aircraft, reportedly a Lockheed Martin F-35B variant, was flying at an altitude of around 500 feet when it was hit by an Iranian Majid SHORAD, resulting in significant damage to its right wing.
While the initial reports suggested that the F-35 had been shot down by Iranian air defenses, US officials have now clarified that the damage was limited to the aircraft’s wing, with no reports of a catastrophic loss of control or crew casualties. The incident marked the first reported instance of an Iranian air defense system engaging a US military aircraft.
Analysts have pointed out that the Iranian Majid SHORAD is an advanced short-range air defense system designed to protect the country’s critical infrastructure and military assets from low-flying aircraft and drones. With a range of around 10 kilometers, the system is equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems, making it a formidable force against low-flying targets.
The US military has declined to comment on the incident, but military experts note that the fact that the F-35 was able to return safely to base suggests that the damage was not as severe as initially reported. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the rising tensions between the US and Iran, particularly in the aftermath of the US assassination of top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani earlier this year.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the US military’s Central Command emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of movement in the region, while also condemning Iranian aggression. “We will not tolerate interference with our reconnaissance and surveillance operations,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our aircraft and crew.”
In light of the incident, military strategists are warning of the growing threat posed by Iranian air defenses, particularly against low-flying aircraft and drones. As the US continues to maintain a robust military presence in the region, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in conducting military reconnaissance and surveillance operations.