04.03.2026 13:20
While the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues, a striking claim of an air conflict has emerged. The Israeli army alleged that an F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 jet over Tehran. If confirmed, this incident would be the first case of an F-35 downing a manned aircraft in air-to-air combat.
A notable air conflict has been reported in the ongoing war between the US-Israel and Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that an F-35I "Adir" fighter jet belonging to the Israeli Air Force shot down an Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran.
THE DOWNED AIRCRAFT IS RUSSIAN-MADE
In a brief statement made by the Israeli army on social media, it was stated that the downed aircraft was a Russian-made Yak-130. The IDF suggested that this incident could be the first case of the F-35 platform shooting down a manned fighter jet in air-to-air combat.
THE FRONT HAS BECOME QUITE CONFUSED
The incident reportedly occurred during Israel's extensive airstrikes against Iran. In recent days, the Israeli air force has been increasing its operations against military targets in Iran, while Iranian air defense and air forces are also trying to respond.
CUSTOMIZED FOR ISRAEL
The Yak-130 is known as a jet developed by Russia and used by Iran for training and light attack missions. The F-35I "Adir" used by Israel is a customized version of the US-made fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT
No official statement has yet been made by Iran regarding the claim of the downing. Experts indicate that if confirmed, this incident could be recorded as a significant turning point in the history of modern air combat.