USA
Iyunade Grace
A US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran, with one crew member rescued and the other still missing. The incident occurred on April 3, 2026, marking the first confirmed loss of a US-piloted aircraft inside Iran since the war began on February 28. Iranian state media claimed the downing, showing images of the wreckage, while US officials confirmed the incident, citing sources familiar with the situation.
The US military launched a search and rescue operation, with helicopters and aircraft involved in the effort. Iranian forces urged civilians to capture the missing crew member, offering a reward for anyone who does so. The downed jet was identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle, a twin-engine aircraft with a two-man crew.
The incident raises concerns about the safety of US aircraft in Iranian airspace, given the ongoing conflict between the two nations. US President Donald Trump had previously claimed that Iran’s military was “decimated” and that the US had air superiority.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft, stating it was an “enemy” plane. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not officially commented on the incident, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had been briefed .
The missing crew member’s fate is uncertain, with reports suggesting they may be evading capture. US air crews undergo Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training to prepare for such situations. However, the terrain in southwestern Iran is rugged, making rescue efforts challenging.
In a separate incident, a US A-10 Warthog attack plane crashed in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, with the pilot safely rescued. The US military has lost several aircraft in recent weeks, including three F-15s shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire.
The downing of the F-15E comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Trump has threatened further attacks on Iran, warning that the country would be sent “back to the Stone Age”. Iran has vowed to retaliate against US aggression.
