Revolutionary Guard releases video of downing of US plane

TEHRAN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed to have shot down an American aircraft and released video footage purportedly showing the incident.

In an official statement, the Guards described the development as a “black day” for the United States, claiming that their air defence systems destroyed two aircraft, five drones, and two cruise missiles using advanced technology.

According to Iranian officials, there are reports that one crew member may not have been able to safely eject from the aircraft. They added that Iran’s air defence capabilities have made its borders increasingly dangerous for hostile forces.

Separately, the Islamic Republic News Agency also released footage allegedly showing the downing of a Black Hawk helicopter, in which the aircraft can be seen being struck and destroyed.

There has been no immediate confirmation from U.S. authorities regarding the claims. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, raising concerns about further escalation.

Iran F-35 Shootdown Claim: Experts Question Authenticity of Released Wreckage

The Iran F-35 shootdown claim has triggered global attention after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it downed a US stealth fighter jet on Friday in central Iran. The claim includes who: IRGC, what: alleged F-35 downing, when: Friday, where: central Iran, why: amid rising tensions, and how: through an advanced air defense system.

According to the IRGC, the aircraft was targeted by its aerospace force using a newly developed air defense system. Officials stated that the jet crashed after being hit, and due to the intensity of the explosion, the pilot’s survival remains unlikely.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency later released several images, claiming they show the wreckage of the destroyed aircraft. These images quickly spread online and raised questions among defense analysts and observers.

However, the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has not confirmed the Iran F-35 shootdown claim. No official statement has verified the loss of any F-35 aircraft in the region.

The IRGC also pointed to markings visible on the wreckage. It claimed the “LN” tail code suggests the aircraft belonged to the 48th Fighter Wing stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, specifically the 493rd Fighter Squadron.

Despite these claims, independent analysts remain cautious. Open-source experts say it is difficult to confirm the exact identity of the wreckage based on the available images.

Some analysts noted that the visible features do not match the expected design of an F-35A stealth fighter. Instead, certain parts appear closer to the tail section of an F-15 aircraft.

This mismatch has increased doubts about the Iran F-35 shootdown claim. Experts say further verification is needed before any conclusion can be drawn.

The development comes at a time of heightened tensions, with Iranian media presenting the incident as a response to threats of increased military pressure from the United States.