A US fighter jet was reportedly downed over Iran with reports claiming that the crew ejected safely. The incident occurred in central Iran, where state media shared images of American aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones in the area.
Aviation experts identified the wreckage as belonging to a F-15E from the US Air Force’s 494th squadron based in the UK. The fate and whereabouts of the pilot and navigator remain unknown.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) stated that they used an advanced defense system to destroy the fighter jet, claiming it belonged to the Lakenheath squadron. There were conflicting reports about the type of aircraft, with the IRGC mentioning it as an F-35 fighter jet.
Iran has a history of making claims about shooting down enemy aircraft during conflicts, although not all have been verified. This incident marked the first time Iran publicly called for assistance in locating a downed pilot.
Several US media outlets have corroborated the reports from Iranian sources. Iranian authorities have requested help from the public and deployed military, police, and security personnel to search the vast rural region where the incident occurred.
Additionally, Iranians were urged to assist in locating the pilots in neighboring provinces, which are predominantly inhabited by farmers, including the area where Iran’s oil fields commence.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency released a video showing a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft allegedly involved in a US search and rescue operation. The US military has not commented on the Iranian reports, but previously refuted a claim about a downed fighter jet over Qeshm Island.
Nearly two weeks before this incident, a US F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing after suspected enemy fire.
