Iran Conflict — 2026-03-19

US F-35 Damaged by Iranian Fire in First-Ever Combat Hit on Stealth Fighter

A US F-35 made an emergency landing after sustaining damage from suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran, the first time an F-35 has taken enemy fire. CENTCOM confirmed the incident; the IRGC published footage claiming a SAM hit. The pilot is stable. Investigation ongoing.

Analysis
Prior INTSUM noted 4 manned aircraft losses in March including a KC-135 that killed 6 airmen on Mar 12. The F-35 hit represents a qualitative escalation; previous losses were operational or from conventional airframes, not fifth-generation stealth platforms.