Iran Downs U.S. Warplane: CNN Report

Darwin, 03 April: Iranian state media on Friday released images claiming to show the wreckage of a U.S. Air Force fighter jet allegedly shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), CNN reported.

According to the report, the images—published by outlets including Press TV—display small fragments of an aircraft, with the largest piece roughly the size of a person. Iranian sources claimed that the debris belongs to an F-35 stealth fighter downed over central Iran.

However, analysis of the wreckage suggests it may not be an F-35. Instead, the appear more consistent with parts of an F-15 fighter jet. Visible markings include a partial “U.S. Air Forces in Europe” logo and red-and-white striped patterns on a tail fin.

Another fragment bearing the warning “Caution: Use only non-magnetic fasteners” also matches components typically found in the rear section of an F-15, between one of its engines and the horizontal stabilizer.

Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and former Royal Australian Air Force officer, told CNN that the structure strongly indicates an F-15. He noted that the tail markings resemble those of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

In its statement, the IRGC claimed the aircraft was completely destroyed and said the fate of the pilot remains unknown.

CNN has sought comment from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), but no response has been issued so far.

Earlier, Iran made a similar claim about downing another “hostile” aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM denied, stating that all U.S. aircraft were accounted for and accusing Iran of making repeated false claims.