What we know so far about the US fighter jet shot down over Iran

Efforts are ongoing to locate the second crew member of a US F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over southern Iran on Friday, according to US media reports. The pilot was reportedly recovered by American forces, though the fate of the weapons system officer remains unclear, as per CBS News.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Separately, a US A-10 Warthog aircraft involved in the search and rescue mission was also struck and damaged, but its pilot was safely retrieved, CBS reports. Iranian state media stated that the warplane was downed by their air defense systems.

“It’s the most dangerous military mission that I know of,” James Jeffrey, a military strategist and top US diplomat for the Middle East, told the BBC. “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,” Jeffrey said. “They will not give up until they can find a pilot if they think there’s any chance.”

Iran’s Claims and US Response

Iranian officials have attributed the downing of the US jet to their air defense system, as reported by state media. The US Central Command has not yet provided confirmation. Initially, Iran’s state-affiliated IRNA news agency claimed responsibility, citing the country’s nomadic tribes as the shooters of two Black Hawk helicopters during the rescue mission. The BBC has sought comments from the US military on this assertion.

Technical Details of the F-15E

The F-15E is a dual-purpose aircraft designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air operations. In Iran, it’s likely that the jet was deployed for defensive counter-air roles, targeting drones and cruise missiles. The aircraft carries two crew members: the pilot and a weapons systems officer, also known as a ‘Wizzo,’ who manages targeting and weapon programming. This two-person setup allows for efficient task distribution, especially in high-pressure air environments where evading threats is critical.

Combat Search and Rescue Missions

The recovery of a downed jet’s crew is a complex, time-sensitive operation known as combat search and rescue (CSAR). These missions require highly trained specialists, including elite Air Force units comparable to Delta Force and Navy SEAL Team Six. CSAR often involves low-altitude helicopter flights over enemy territory, supported by other military aircraft conducting strikes and patrols.

A former pararescue jumpers commander told CBS that the operation likely involved 24 jumpers in Black Hawk helicopters, scanning the area. They emphasized that the team would be ready to deploy from planes if necessary and prioritize contacting the missing crew member upon landing. The downed jet’s crew are also trained for such scenarios, with their primary objective being survival and avoiding capture.