U.S. forces successfully rescued the second crew member of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet shot down over Iran, officials announced early Sunday, April 5, 2026, capping a high-stakes search-and-rescue operation deep in hostile territory.
The two-seat jet was downed by Iranian air defenses on Friday, April 3, in a remote area of southwestern Iran amid escalating conflict between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Tehran. Both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely from the aircraft. U.S. combat search-and-rescue teams quickly recovered the pilot shortly after the incident. The second airman, a colonel serving as weapons systems officer, remained missing for nearly two days as American and allied forces conducted risky operations on Iranian soil.
President Donald Trump confirmed the successful extraction on social media, posting “WE GOT HIM!” and praising the rescuers. “The second pilot is now safe and sound,” he stated, noting the mission involved dozens of aircraft operating in enemy territory. Officials described the airman as injured but stable, with all rescue personnel returning unharmed.
The F-15E loss marks the first confirmed downing of a U.S. combat aircraft over Iran since the war began in late February 2026. Iranian forces claimed responsibility, and reports indicated they placed a bounty on the downed crew. A separate U.S. A-10 Warthog also went down near the Strait of Hormuz around the same time, though its pilot was rescued.
The daring rescues highlight the dangers facing U.S. aviators in the ongoing campaign against Iranian infrastructure and military targets. Military analysts note that such operations demonstrate advanced U.S. special forces capabilities, even as they risk further escalation. The incident comes as President Trump has issued ultimatums to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations.
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