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US F-15E Shot Down Over Iran; Rescue Underway
3 Apr
Summary
- A US F-15E fighter was shot down over Iran, initiating a rescue operation.
- Iranian state media initially claimed an F-35 was downed, but wreckage suggests F-15E.
- Specialist helicopters indicate a combat search and rescue mission for the two-person crew.
A US Air Force F-15E fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, triggering an urgent search and rescue effort for its two-person crew. This incident marks the first loss of a US fighter plane over Iran since the conflict began.
Iranian state media initially claimed an advanced F-35 was downed by a new air defense system. However, aviation experts identified the released wreckage as belonging to an F-15E, reportedly from the 494th squadron based in the UK. US officials confirmed the downed aircraft off the record.
Footage showed US C-130 Hercules and HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters operating in the area, suggesting a combat search and rescue mission. A social media post, purportedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, showed an ejector seat, potentially indicating one crew member ejected safely.
Iranian news outlets have circulated conflicting reports, with one claiming a pilot is in custody while earlier reports suggested the pilot might have died. The US Central Command had previously denied other Iranian claims of downed aircraft.
