Iran 'attacks' $100 million F-35 jet: Why the strike is a big psychological blow for US

The US F-35 fighter jet that is said to have suffered significant damage during combat operations over Iran. (Credit: Tehran Times)

• Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 stealth jet in its airspace
• US officials say the F-35 was damaged, not hit, and landed safely
• Incident suggests Iran's air defenses may have improved detection

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In the escalating tensions between US-Israel and Iran, Tehran said it has successfully struck a US F-35 stealth fighter, indicating an upgrade in it's integrated air defence network.

Though admitting about the attack, US officials countered Iran's claims stating that the US F-35 stealth fighter was not struck but suffered significant damage, forcing an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, said the fifth-generation jet was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to land. The pilot survived and is said to be stable, but the incident is now under investigation, said the Captain.

According to a report in The Times of India, the development potentially marks the first time Iran  has hit one of the US’ most advanced jets since the conflict started on February 28.

Features of the F-35 stealth fighter

One of the most advanced combat aircraft ever built, the F-35 Lightning II is regarded as the backbone of US and is the world's most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter operated or ordered by more than 19 countries. It combines stealth, advanced sensors and networked warfare capabilities in a way that fundamentally reshapes how air combat is fought.

Cost: The cost of F-35 Lightning II fighter is upwards of $100 million per unit.

Stealth- The aircraft is designed to evade radar detection through its shape, materials and internal weapons bays, allowing it to operate deep inside heavily defended airspace, making it extremely difficult for enemy air defences to track or target.

Sensor fusion-The F-35 processes and merges inputs from radar, infrared sensors, satellites and other aircraft into a single real-time battlefield picture, allowing pilots to detect threats earlier and engage targets before being seen.

Networked-warfare- The jet is also built for network-centric warfare. It operates as part of a wider digital combat system, sharing data with other aircraft, ships and ground systems.

A combination of all these features is what defines a fifth-generation fighter.

Why Iran's claim is significant?

If one goes by the statements of the officials in Washington, even a partial hit is significant as it indicates that Iranian air defence was able to track and strike an F-35, suggesting improvements in detection systems or exploitation of gaps in US operations. It also challenges the perception that stealth aircraft can operate with near impunity.

At least 16 US aircraft have been lost since the war began on February 28, including multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down by Iranian defences, said TOI as per a report by Bloomberg. These drones are designed to be expendable and are frequently used in high-risk missions.

Despite these setbacks, US officials maintain that operations are proceeding as planned. Iran, meanwhile, continues to launch regional strikes, including attacks on energy infrastructure, while claiming to have downed a large number of US and Israeli drones.