Fact check: Have f35s been shot down?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, no F-35 aircraft have been confirmed shot down in combat. The evidence shows conflicting claims and incidents but no verified combat losses:

• Iran claims to have shot down Israeli F-35I Adir jets, but Israel denies any losses ^[1]
• An Iranian official specifically claimed an Israeli F-35 fighter jet was shot down near Tehran, but this claim has not been confirmed by Israel or other independent sources ^[2]
• Contrary to Iranian claims, sources indicate that F-35s flew deep into Iranian territory and returned without a single recorded loss ^[3]

However, F-35s have been involved in accidents and crashes:

• An F-35A crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska with the pilot ejecting safely ^[4]
• There exists a documented list of accidents and incidents involving the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, including crashes and emergency landings ^[5]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important historical context that would provide perspective on stealth aircraft vulnerabilities:

• A US F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter was shot down by a Yugoslavian surface-to-air missile system in 1999 ^[1], demonstrating that stealth aircraft can be vulnerable under certain circumstances
• The question doesn't distinguish between combat losses (being shot down by enemy fire) versus operational accidents and crashes
• Iran would benefit from claiming F-35 shootdowns as it would demonstrate their air defense capabilities and potentially deter future Israeli operations
• Israel would benefit from denying any F-35 losses to maintain the aircraft's reputation and their operational security
• Defense contractors and military establishments have financial interests in maintaining confidence in the F-35 program, which has been mocked by figures like Elon Musk but recently demonstrated operational capabilities ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral, but the surrounding information reveals potential misinformation:

• Iranian claims of F-35 shootdowns appear to be unsubstantiated propaganda, as they lack independent verification and contradict operational reports ^{[1] [2]}
• There may be deliberate conflation between operational accidents and combat losses in some reporting
• The timing of Iranian claims coinciding with recent military operations suggests strategic disinformation aimed at undermining confidence in Israeli and Western military capabilities
• Recent sources from June 2025 prioritize Iranian claims without sufficient verification, potentially amplifying unconfirmed information ^[2]