> F-117 Nighthawk

Recall that the Serbs shot down a Nighthawk when they were in a similar situation to Iran. They kept some good AA missiles in reserve and used a system of spotters and just waited for an opportunity. Its likely that similar tactics were used by Iran.

Also recall that the Houthis, armed and trained by Iran, gave F35s some close calls over Yemen.

https://www.twz.com/air/how-the-houthis-rickety-air-defenses...

The story is actually quite interesting. The Serbs observed that a nighthawk would routinely fly the same route but their radar couldn’t lock on it unless the missile hatch were open, which they managed to elicit.

In short, it took 2 rare events to occur for it to happen.