US F-35 Declares Mid-Air Emergency Over Oman Gulf, Goes Off Radar; Iran Claims It Struck Jet

Last Updated:May 10, 2026, 17:38 IST

The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, transmitted squawk code 7700 — a standard signal used to indicate an onboard emergency or distress situation.

A US fighter jet on Sunday declared an emergency while flying over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, transmitted squawk code 7700 — a standard signal used to indicate an onboard emergency or distress situation.

The aircraft was tracked heading towards UAE airspace, according to FlightRadar data. The tracking data showed the jet flying over the Gulf of Oman and Oman. The departure point, destination, and further details of the incident have not been disclosed.

After being tracked near the UAE, the aircraft’s transponder went dark, which is common during military operations or after a safe landing.

ALSO READ: ‘Any Attack On Iran…’: IRGC Threatens To Strike ‘Enemy Ships’ If US Targets Its Tankers Again

Iranian state media claimed the jet was shot down or hit by IRGC forces. However, no wreckage photos or independent confirmation have been shared.

Similar claims made during past tensions involving Iran have often been exaggerated or later linked to aircraft that were damaged but recovered.

The incident comes as the naval stand-off in the Gulf threatened to escalate following days of clashes and accusations. A cargo ship was reportedly hit off the coast of Qatar earlier today as Iran warned it could target US interests in the region.

The developments also follow an incident on Friday in which a US fighter jet reportedly disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman to stop them from continuing towards Iran.

On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they could target US sites in the Middle East and “enemy ships" if Iranian tankers came under attack. “Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy attack on one of the American centres in the region and enemy ships," the IRGC said.

Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil, gas and fertiliser shipments, in an apparent attempt to increase pressure on the United States and its allies.

Meanwhile, the US Navy has reportedly been blocking, diverting, or disabling ships linked to Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world US F-35 Declares Mid-Air Emergency Over Oman Gulf, Goes Off Radar; Iran Claims It Struck Jet

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