US Fighter Jet Shot Down in Iran: Rescue Efforts Underway

Sun Apr 05 2026 02:47:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A US F-15E fighter jet was shot down over southern Iran, leading to a complicated rescue operation for its missing crew member. The US military has confirmed the pilot's safety, but the fate of the weapons systems officer remains uncertain.

On Friday, a US F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defense, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission for its crew. While the pilot was successfully rescued, efforts continue for the weapons systems officer who is still missing. The Iranian government claims credit for the incident, alleging the downing of the aircraft was executed by its military forces. This reveals escalating tensions in the region and the complexities associated with military rescues.

A search is underway for a missing crew member after a US F-15E fighter jet flying over southern Iran was shot down on Friday, US media has reported.

A pilot who was on board was reportedly rescued by US forces, but the search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is ongoing, reports say.

Separately, a US A-10 Warthog aircraft that was part of the search and rescue mission for the downed jet was also shot and damaged; however, its pilot was safely rescued, according to CBS News.

Iranian officials stated that the warplane was shot down by its air defense system, according to state media. The US Central Command is yet to comment.

Where and when was the jet shot down?

Iranian state media first claimed on Friday that the country's forces shot down a US jet over its southern region.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt then stated that US President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident. US Central Command, however, has not confirmed the details surrounding the reported downing of the aircraft.

A search and rescue mission successfully recovered the pilot of the jet, but what happened to the jet's second crew member, a weapons systems officer, remains unknown.

The rescue operation included an A-10 Warthog plane that was hit over the Gulf, with its pilot ejecting before being rescued.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that nomadic tribes living in the country's mountains shot at Black Hawk helicopters involved in the US rescue mission.

Additionally, a video has surfaced showing armed individuals firing towards at least two Black Hawk helicopters.

Iran's top military command has credited new Iranian air defense systems with the downing of both US warplanes.

What do we know about the jet's purpose?

The F-15E is a dual-role fighter jet designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, likely involved in Defensive Counter Air roles in Iran.

The aircraft can drop precision munitions and has a two-person crew. The pilot flies the jet, while a weapons systems officer, referred to as a 'Wizzo', handles targeting and weapons programming.

Speculation suggests that if the jet was taken down by Iranians, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) could have been responsible.

What is happening with the rescue effort?

The rescue mission involves highly trained military personnel, known as combat search and rescue (CSAR) teams, which prepare for complex and time-sensitive operations to recover downed crew members.

This operation is characterized as one of the most dangerous military missions, with specially trained Air Force units tasked to not give up until a pilot is found.

CSAR missions often mobilize helicopters flying low over enemy territory with additional aircraft providing cover.

Iran's state media has reported that rewards of approximately £50,000 ($66,100) are being offered for information leading to the capture of the missing airman.