U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued

Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15 fighter jet over Iranian territory, marking the first time since the beginning of the current conflict that a U.S. aircraft was downed by enemy fire. Both crew members ejected safely after the aircraft was struck, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. U.S. special forces successfully located and rescued one crew member alive on Iranian soil. The incident represents a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran during ongoing regional conflicts. Iran has mobilized civilians to join the search for the remaining crew member, offering government rewards for their capture. Israel cancelled planned strikes in Iran to avoid interfering with the rescue operation and is providing intelligence support to help locate the missing crew member. In related incidents, Iranian forces also struck a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft on Friday, though the pilot was safely rescued despite the plane being destroyed. Iranian military forces additionally hit a U.S. Blackhawk helicopter participating in the F-15 crew search, injuring crew members but leaving the aircraft operational. The same Blackhawk was used to successfully rescue the F-15 crew member. The White House confirmed President Biden has been briefed on the situation as search efforts continue. F-15E Strike Eagles typically operate with both a pilot and weapons-systems officer, explaining the two-person crew. The ongoing search for the second crew member remains a priority amid Iranian efforts to capture American personnel.

U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued

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