For the first time in history, Iran’s air defenses have reportedly shot down two Israeli F‑35 stealth fighter jets during Israel’s deep-strike Operation Rising Lion, marking a dramatic shift in modern air warfare.
At a Glance
- Iran claims it intercepted and destroyed two Israeli F‑35I Adir jets during Israeli strikes targeting nuclear and military sites
- The aircraft were part of Israel’s early-morning operation on June 13 involving more than 200 aircraft and over 330 munitions
- Iranian state media say one female pilot was captured after ejecting
- Israel’s Defense Forces have denied losing any F‑35s, calling Tehran’s claims “baseless disinformation”
- The event could mark the first time fifth-generation stealth jets are destroyed in active combat, challenging assumptions about their invulnerability
What Unfolded in the Skies
In a massive aerial assault early on June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—deploying more than 200 aircraft including F‑35I Adirs—to strike Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s air defenses downed two of these jets and captured one pilot, reportedly a woman. The Iranian Ministry of Defense declared it “the first time ever that a country has managed to shoot down fifth-generation stealth fighters during a live conflict.”
The Israeli Response and Technical Fallout
Israel’s Defense Forces quickly rejected Iran’s claims, dismissing the reports as “baseless disinformation.” The F‑35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, has been hailed as nearly invisible to radar. If Iran’s claims prove true, this would be the first confirmed combat loss of the F‑35 platform—a moment of reckoning for its presumed superiority.
Watch a report: Iran Claims To Have Downed Two Israeli F‑35 Jets.
Implications for Modern Warfare
Military analysts are now reassessing stealth reliability in hostile airspace. Iran’s alleged success suggests upgrades in detection systems—possibly leveraging advanced radar networks or electronic warfare. If corroborated, the incident could shift airpower doctrine for Israel, the U.S., and NATO allies who rely heavily on stealth superiority in modern combat scenarios.
What Happens Next
International verification is underway. Satellite imagery, wreckage analysis, and third-party intelligence will be critical to confirming Iran’s assertion. A verified shootdown would prompt urgent reassessments in stealth strategy and defense planning. In the meantime, both nations are likely preparing for further escalation, with Israel expected to modify tactics and Iran emboldened to showcase its air-defense prowess.
