U.S. Rescues Second Crew Member of Downed Fighter Jet Over Iran

U.S. military units have rescued the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced this on his social media platform, Truth Social.

In his statement, he said American forces carried out one of the most daring search-and-rescue missions in the country’s history, using dozens of aircraft in the operation.

“We have rescued our incredible officer, a crew member, and a highly respected colonel. I’m pleased to report that he is now completely safe!” Trump wrote.

The rescued crew member, a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), had been in hostile territory for about two days, hiding from Iranian forces and militia fighters.

Another footage from HC-130 & HH-60W over Iran.
Khuzestan Province, #Iran pic.twitter.com/RQY7czxW2h

— Shin (@hey_itsmyturn) April 3, 2026

Specialized units were deployed for the search, conducting low-altitude flights over areas in the provinces of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

In addition to the U.S., Iran was also active: authorities announced a reward of about 10 billion tomans for capturing the pilot alive.

The operation took place deep behind enemy lines, posing a high risk to rescue crews and aircraft and significantly complicating the mission.

On April 3, 2026, Iran claimed it had shot down a U.S. Air Force fighter jet over its territory and displayed the wreckage.

Initially, Iranian media reported the destruction of an F-35, but a detailed examination of the wreckage indicated it was an F-15E fighter jet from the 494th Fighter Squadron “Panthers,” based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

On the same day, a large-scale evacuation operation began. Iranian sources published videos showing a specialized HC-130J Combat King II aircraft – used to coordinate and refuel search-and-rescue teams – as well as UH-60/HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters flying at extremely low altitude to avoid air defense systems.

This combination of aircraft represents a standard group used for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations to evacuate downed pilots.