Accident

A U.S. F-35 makes an emergency landing after a combat mission against Iran

March 19, 2026

A U.S. F-35 was forced into an emergency landing on returning from a combat mission related to Iran, as confirmed by military command. It is the first documented case of a Lightning II damaged in the course of a real combat operation. Details of the cause and extent of the damage were not made public.

Sources: Military Times — US F-35 forced to make emergency landing after Iran combat mission