A US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran, marking the first such loss in the conflict's five-week duration. One crew member was successfully rescued in a high-risk operation, while the second remains missing. Iranian state media initially claimed an advanced F-35 was downed, but aviation experts confirmed the wreckage matched F-15E markings from the UK-based 494th squadron. Rescue efforts involved specialist helicopters and a C-130 Hercules, with footage showing low-altitude flights near Behbahan. An Iranian businessman offered a $60,000 reward for capturing the crew alive, suggesting the location.
The status of the second crew member was unclear, with operations continuing.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing