CENTCOM confirmed the pilot made an emergency landing during combat operations. CNN sources told the outlet the aircraft was struck by an Iranian munition.
Aircraft fly, but mass sails: The lengthy military buildup for a potential strike on Iran proves joint assets matter more than exquisite warplanes alone.
The exercise featured a human-piloted F-22 Raptor issuing real-time commands to the MQ-20 drone, which responded by carrying out a range of mission tasks.
The 30,000-pound guided bomb is designed to penetrate an estimated 200 feet through rock or other hard substances before destroying enemy labs or bunkers.