US fighter jet downed in Iran, search and rescue underway
An F-15 crashed in Iran, prompting the US military to conduct search and rescue operations. One pilot was recovered, the second is still missing as of the linked report. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the downed aircraft and of the search and rescue’s progress. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the aircraft was shot down. The Iranians initially claimed that they shot an F-35 down, but the images that they showed indicated an F-15E.
From Fox News:
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state media claimed to have shot down a U.S. fighter jet over central Iran, specifically in the mountainous Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
Initial Iranian reports claimed the aircraft was an F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. However, subsequent photos of wreckage released by Iranian media suggest the aircraft may be an F-15E Strike Eagle, likely from the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath.
The Trump administration has notified congressional leaders about the incident, two sources confirmed to Fox.
It’s not immediately clear why the jet went down. Central Command, the theater responsible for operations in the Middle East, is expected to issue a statement soon.
Local footage appears to show HC-130s and HH-60 Black Hawks flying low over Iranian territory, suggesting a search for those on board.
Iranian state media released images purporting to show the damaged jet, including an ejector seat. Fox News has not verified their authenticity.
U.S. officials for weeks have insisted the U.S. and Israel have “complete control over Iranian skies,” and recently sent the slower, non-stealthy B-52 bombers into Iran, underscoring how confident they were that Iranian airpower had been nearly eliminated.
“We are in this military operation … for 32 days,” Trump said in an address Wednesday. “And the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat.”
Additional Reading:
Phillips, M., Doocy, P., & Friden, L. (2026, April 3). US pilot rescued from downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran, search for second crew member ongoing. Fox News. Link.
Category: Iran, Military Action, Terror War
Prayers for our missing pilot and his family. I’m glad they were able to get in there and rescue one.
So far as the F35/ F15 thing from Iran, they have sent thousands of AI generated fake images out to try to bolster their support.
Hopefully they will get the 2nd missing pilot out.
This is my recommendation…
Have one of the search helos drop the same type of radio as the downed fliers. I would drop it in an area well away from the suspected search areas. A nice kill box would be preferable. I would have it broadcast in the clear hoping the IRGC can triangulate its location. Once enough of their forces arrive in the area, BRRRRRRR boom! boom! with ordinance from your friendly, neighborhood A-10…then do it again, and again, and again. Eventually, they will fear any such transmission should this happen a again. Just a suggestion.
I’m ok with hunting over bait.
We were using the PRC-112G survival radios when I retired in 2008. There was talk of replacing them with the CSEL series radio or some iteration of it.
Both are programmable radios, with secure transmission capabilities and GPS capabilities, along with encryption. Not sure they want to drop one of those in bad guy land.
On the other hand, maybe drop an old PRC-90 series radio and have it transmit on 243.0 Beacon to lure the bad guys in and then annihilate the area.
I did Aircrew Life Support/Aircrew Flight Equipment in the Air Force for almost 23 years. We were responsible for inspecting and packing their survival equipment, training them on the equipment and on survival procedures, along with bailout/ejection procedures, etc.
Mike
USAF Retired
No doubt our aircrews have the best chance of because of guys like you. Bravo Zulu to our Air Force and lets bring our pilots home.
“On the other hand, maybe drop an old PRC-90 series radio and have it transmit on 243.0 Beacon to lure the bad guys in and then annihilate the area”
Now, that’s what I’m talking about…lure them into a trap make them see Allah!
Looks not too far in.
Liberals/media demand “When will Trump make a statement?!” (complaining he doesn’t care until he makes one) though, for ’em, Biden was just fine:
An A-10 was lost over the Persian Gulf. The pilot was safely recovered.
That report was from the New York Times and was not accurate.