Iran has boldly claimed to have shot down two state-of-the-art Israeli F-35 fighter jets. According to Iran's state media and the Tasnim News Agency, these jets were destroyed by Iran's air defense system on Friday when they purportedly entered Iranian airspace.
In addition, Iran alleges that a female pilot was apprehended after parachuting down from one of the planes. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have strongly refuted these claims as "entirely baseless." IDF spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee labeled it a false narrative propagated by Iranian media.
Source: aajtak
What's Happening?
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point recently. On June 13, 2025, as part of "Operation Rising Lion," Israel conducted over 100 strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites with 200 aircraft. These actions resulted in the deaths of four senior Iranian military commanders, six nuclear scientists, and 78 civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other Israeli cities, during which Iran claimed it downed two F-35s and several Israeli drones.
In a televised address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that Israel has initiated a war and will face severe consequences. He assured that their military will give a strong response to the enemy. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian populace to rise against their regime and join Israel in its quest for freedom.
Iran claims to have destroyed an F-35 stealth jet for the first time in history. If true, it would be a significant military achievement, given that the F-35 is considered the world's most sophisticated fighter aircraft. Israel, however, dismisses this as "fake news." Some experts speculate that Iran might be making such assertions to bolster morale among its citizens and regional allies.
In past instances, Iran claimed in 2024 to have destroyed Israeli F-35s, but those allegations remained unsubstantial as mere propaganda. Furthermore, considering the F-35's stealth capabilities and Israel's advanced defense systems, a successful takedown is no easy feat.
Source: aajtak
What Makes the F-35 So Special?
The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by American aerospace company Lockheed Martin, is heralded as the most advanced fighter jet worldwide. Israel dubs it the F-35I "Adir," meaning "The Mighty." This aircraft stands out for its stealth technology, radar evasion capabilities, and cutting-edge weaponry.
Stealth Technology: The F-35 is designed to be virtually invisible to enemy radar, with a unique shape and coating that absorb radar signals.
Range: It can fly approximately 2,200 kilometers without refueling. Israel has developed the ability to use it for attacks on Iran without the need for refueling.
Armaments: Equipped to carry missiles, bombs, and drone-destroying weaponry, Israel has custom-made Python and Derby missiles for it.
Sensors and Helmet: Features like the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and a special helmet provide pilots a 360-degree view with critical information such as airspeed, altitude, and target data.
Cost: Each F-35 costs roughly $110 million (around 9 billion Rupees). If Iran's claim is true, Israel would face an 18 billion Rupee loss.
Speed: Capable of flying at 1.6 Mach (around 1,975 km/h).
Israeli Fleet: Israel currently operates 36 F-35 jets, stationed at Nevatim Airbase, and has ordered 75 more.
Source: aajtak
Operational History of Israel's F-35s
In 2018, Israel employed the F-35 in combat for the first time. It successfully intercepted and destroyed an Iranian Shahed-197 drone in 2021 and thwarted a Houthi cruise missile in 2023. In 2024, it executed strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, some 1,700 kilometers away.
Past Claims by Iran
Iran hasn't claimed the downing of a US-made aircraft since 1999 when Serbia shot down an American F-117 stealth aircraft. If Iran's assertion about the F-35 is valid, it would be the first case in 26 years. However, experts suggest Iran's Russian-made S-300 defense system isn't capable of tracking an F-35.
