nytimes.com
Source: nytimes.com
TL;DR
- Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle over southwestern Iran on Friday.
- One of two crew members rescued; the other missing as of Saturday.
- Incident marks first U.S. fighter jet lost to Iranian fire in ongoing war.
The story at a glance
Iran downed a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over southwestern Iran on Friday, the first such loss to enemy fire in the war. Both crew ejected; one rescued quickly, the second still missing amid risky U.S. search operations. An A-10 Warthog also crashed near the Strait of Hormuz the same day, pilot rescued. The war began over a month ago with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Key moments & milestones
- Friday: Iran shoots down F-15E Strike Eagle from 494th Fighter Squadron over southwestern Iran.
- Friday: Crew ejects; one rescued soon after.
- Friday: A-10 Warthog crashes near Strait of Hormuz, pilot rescued.
- Friday: U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk hit by Iranian ground fire during rescue but reaches Iraq safely.
- Early Saturday: Search continues for missing crew member.
Signature highlights
- Wreckage images from Iran state media show F-15E wingtip and vertical stabilizer with markings from 494th Fighter Squadron, R.A.F. Lakenheath, per expert Justin Bronk.
- F-15E lacks stealth, flies at Mach 2.5 (1,875 mph), carries 20,000-pound payload, used for air-to-ground/air-to-air since 1986.
- A-10 Warthog flies low/slow, fires 70 30-mm shells/second; Pentagon doubled regional fleet this month.
- Iran offers reward for capturing "enemy pilots" alive.
- Rescue involved C-130 and helicopters flying low over Iran; risks highlighted by 2005 Afghanistan ambush killing 16 U.S. rescuers.
Key quotes
- "President Trump ... would intensely bomb Iran 'over the next two to three weeks.'" – Trump national address, two days prior.
Why it matters
Escalates U.S.-Iran war risks, showing Iran's air defenses can still down advanced jets despite weakening. Heightens dangers for U.S. air crews and rescue teams in hostile territory. Watch updates on missing airman, Trump administration response, and potential intensified strikes.