Carrier-Based Fighter Jet Engages Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Self-Defense

A US F-35C Lightning II fighter jet assigned to the Carrier Air Wing 9 shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 unmanned aerial vehicle as it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred in international waters, with the F-35C engaging the drone after it continued toward the aircraft carrier with unclear intent. The shootdown was described as a self-defense measure, with no reported injuries or damage to US personnel or equipment. The incident was reported by AeroTime, highlighting ongoing tensions in the Middle East.