A large-scale search operation has been ongoing since last night in the area of Al-Jubail in eastern Saudi Arabia, which, according to sources, may indicate the crash of a US F-35 fighter rather than a successful emergency landing previously reported.

The search activity in a remote area is viewed as indirect evidence supporting the claim that the aircraft was hit. If the jet had safely reached an allied base, such an operation would not have been necessary.

According to Flightradar24, a Boeing MH-47G Chinook military helicopter is operating over the Al-Jubail area, conducting search operations.

Reports suggest that the fighter may have been hit by an Iranian Mersad-16 missile. The onboard AN/AAQ-37 system reportedly activated automatic evasive maneuvers, reducing the impact, but the aircraft was still struck.

However, military experts also suggest that the F-35 may have encountered a loitering anti-aircraft missile known as «Product 358» or its modified version. This munition, equipped with a homing system, is capable of engaging targets without radar guidance. In such a case, the aircraft’s warning systems would not detect radar illumination and would not alert the pilot to the threat.

Earlier reports indicated that the possible strike on an F-35 by Iranian air defenses is considered a significant development. According to CNN, the US fighter made an emergency landing at a US military base in the Middle East after sustaining damage.