What we know so far about the US fighter jet shot down over Iran
US Fighter Jet Downed Over Iran, Rescue Efforts Intensify
On Friday, a US F-15E fighter jet operating in the southwestern region was reportedly downed by Iranian forces, according to US media. Both crew members ejected from the aircraft, but only one has been located and recovered, leaving the second’s fate uncertain, CBS News reports. Iranian state media initially claimed the jet was shot down by their air defense system, with the country’s military forces asserting responsibility.
Rescue Mission Faces Challenges
A search and rescue operation has successfully retrieved the pilot of the downed jet, though the whereabouts of the weapons systems officer remain unknown. During the mission, an A-10 Warthog was struck and damaged, though its pilot was safely retrieved, CBS reports. One helicopter carrying the rescued pilot was hit by small arms fire, injuring crew members but landing safely.
“It’s the most dangerous military mission that I know of,” said James Jeffrey, a military strategist and top US diplomat for the Middle East. “These are Air Force special operations people who are trained almost to the level of Delta Force and Navy SEAL Team Six, but they also have medical capabilities. They will not give up until they can find a pilot if they think there’s any chance.”
Iranian officials have credited new air defense systems with the downing of both US warplanes, as reported by the state-affiliated IRNA news agency. Meanwhile, the US Central Command has not yet confirmed the details of the incident. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the event, though the official stance remains pending.
F-15E’s Dual Role in Combat
The F-15E is a dual-role fighter jet designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. In Iran, it is likely deployed for Defensive Counter Air tasks, such as intercepting drones and cruise missiles. The aircraft’s two-crew configuration—featuring a pilot and a weapons systems officer—allows for divided responsibilities, particularly in high-threat environments. The weapons officer, known as a “Wizzo,” manages targeting and weapon systems from four onboard screens.
BBC Verify has authenticated a clip from Friday depicting three armed figures targeting at least two Black Hawk helicopters. Iran has claimed these nomadic tribes were responsible for the attacks. The rescue operation, involving multiple military assets, underscores the complexity of recovering crew members from hostile territory. A former pararescue jumpers commander told CBS that such missions typically require at least 24 specialists in Black Hawk helicopters, ready to jump if necessary and prioritize locating the missing individual.
