Media: Pilot of F-35 aircraft shot down over Iran injured by shrapnel
According to sources cited by the U.S. magazine Air Force & Space Force, the pilot of a U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet that was hit over Iran sustained shrapnel injuries.
The magazine stated: "The pilot of the U.S. Air Force F-35A fighter jet sustained shrapnel wounds when the aircraft was damaged during a combat mission over Iran on March 19."
The article indicated that the aircraft was most likely struck by a surface-to-air missile, rather than small arms or other ordnance.
Thus, the media's conclusion confirms the statement issued by Iranian military forces.
On March 19, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed they had hit a U.S. F-35 fighter jet using a "new advanced air defense system," causing significant damage. The Revolutionary Guard stated the aircraft was struck in central Iran and reported it missing, with a high likelihood of having crashed.
Subsequently, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that a U.S. F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at an air base in the Middle East after completing a mission over Iran. The spokesperson noted that the pilot’s condition was stable and that an investigation into the incident has been launched.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860474950263820/
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