A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over southern Iran, marking the first confirmed loss of an American fighter to enemy fire in more than two decades. One of the two crew members has been rescued, while search efforts continue for the second, according to U.S. officials cited by multiple outlets including Axios, Reuters, and CNN.
The incident occurred amid a U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran that began on February 28, now exceeding five weeks. Two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the combat search-and-rescue mission came under Iranian fire but escaped the airspace. Separately, an A-10 Warthog, supporting the rescue, was hit by ground fire, crashed in Kuwait after the pilot ejected, and the aviator was recovered over the Persian Gulf, per CBS News and Associated Press reports.
Intelligence assessments cited by CNN indicate roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers remain intact, along with thousands of one-way attack drones. U.S. sources claim destruction of about one-third of the missile arsenal, while an Israeli military official reported neutralizing over 335 launchers, equivalent to 70% of launch capacity. The F-15E loss, likely from a man-portable or short-range system during low-altitude operations, underscores persistent risks despite claims of air superiority.
The event follows President Donald Trump’s recent statements asserting U.S. aircraft could operate freely over Iran without opposition, highlighting ongoing threats from Teheran’s defenses.