The IRGC released thermal camera and infrared footage on Thursday, March 19, 2026, purportedly showing their air defense systems engaging and striking a fifth-generation U.S. F-35 over central Iran. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first reported instance of an F-35 sustaining combat damage from enemy fire.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed that an F-35A was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it sustained damage. He stated the following regarding the status of the pilot and craft:

“The aircraft landed safely at a regional U.S. airbase, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation.”

Military analysts suggest the strike may have been achieved using a passive infrared (EO/IR) sensor system, which does not emit radar signals that stealth aircraft like the F-35 are designed to evade. This allows the defense system to remain “dark” until the missile is launched, homing in on the aircraft’s heat signature instead.

The IRGC claims the jet was “seriously damaged” and may have crashed, though the Pentagon’s confirmation of an emergency landing contradicts the claim of a total loss. This event occurred amid “Operation Epic Fury,” a major U.S.-Israeli offensive launched in late February 2026.

Despite this incident, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that the U.S. is “winning decisively,” though he acknowledged that Iran retains dangerous asymmetric capabilities. The strike has sent ripples through global defense circles, questioning the absolute invulnerability of stealth technology against modern, layered air defenses.