Days after Iran said it successfully hit a US F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, the country has now claimed to have targeted F/A-18 fighter jets near Chabahar. Iranian state-linked channel Press TV released a video purportedly showing the strike, though there is no independent verification of the footage. Notably, the F/A-18 is among the jets that had earlier been offered to India as part of defence procurement talks.
F-35 and F/A-18: US fighter jets once offered to India
Notably, both the F-35 Lightning II and the F/A-18 Super Hornet have been discussed in the past as potential fighter jets for India, but neither has been formally purchased. The F/A-18 was evaluated for the Indian Air Force’s multi-role fighter programs, and Boeing even proposed setting up local production under the “Make in India” initiative. Similarly, the F-35 has been publicly offered by the US to India through government-to-government channels, but no official deal has been signed. India has so far preferred fighters from France and Russia, along with its indigenous jets.
F/A-18 and F-35: Advanced US fighter jets
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a primary carrier-capable, multirole fighter jet of the US Navy, designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. It is a twin-engine aircraft that operates from carriers worldwide, offering high versatility in both defensive and offensive missions.
The F-35, which Iran previously claimed to hit, is considered one of the most advanced and expensive combat aircraft globally, known for its stealth and cutting-edge technology.
Iran’s strike method
According to Iranian media, the F-35 was targeted using the indigenous Bavar-373 air defence system. Experts suggest that passive sensor technology may have helped detect the stealth aircraft without emitting radar signals. Iranian state outlets claim the system successfully locked onto and struck the jet.
US officials confirmed that the F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing at a Middle East air base but landed safely. Capt Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, told CNN that the aircraft was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when the incident occurred, and a detailed investigation is underway.
US aircraft losses and drone attacks
Reports indicate that at least 16 US aircraft, including several MQ-9 Reaper drones, have been lost since the conflict began on February 28. Many drones were shot down by Iranian defence systems; they are often deployed for high-risk missions because they are designed to minimise human loss if destroyed.
USS Abraham Lincoln under attack
Hours before the F/A-18 claims, Iran said its Navy fired Qader cruise missiles at the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, forcing it to change position. Tehran described the move as asserting maritime sovereignty.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, stated that the US carrier group is “constantly being monitored” and any hostile approach will face “powerful strikes.” Washington has not responded to the latest claim.
This is not the first time the USS Abraham Lincoln has been targeted in Iranian claims. On March 6, Iran said drones had struck the carrier, which the Pentagon denied, stating the missiles “didn’t even come close.” The US currently has two aircraft carriers deployed in the region amid ongoing operations alongside Israel.
