US Destroys Two Aircraft and a Helicopter Stranded in Iran After Pilot Rescue

A U.S. military unit destroyed two HC/MC-130 transport aircraft and an MH-6 helicopter that were meant for evacuation from Iran.

According to The New York Times, the aircraft were destroyed after the successful rescue of a weapons systems officer (WSO), the second crew member of a downed F-15E fighter jet.

At the moment the aircraft were supposed to leave the area, it became clear they were stranded at a remote base due to the runway’s poor condition.

According to an analysis of published photos and videos, U.S. forces managed to land at approximately 32.258394, 51.901927 (coordinates provided by user Andy (@andynovy)) – about 400 km inside Iranian territory, in the desert near the city of Isfahan.

In addition, the city is known for being home to an Iranian nuclear technology center, as well as military garrisons and air bases. U.S. forces managed to set up a temporary base to deploy search teams for the pilots, all while remaining undetected by Iranian paramilitary groups and the army.

As part of the operation, the command deployed three additional transport aircraft to evacuate all U.S. personnel, along with the rescued crew member.

After reinforcements arrived, the two disabled aircraft were destroyed to prevent them from falling into the hands of Iranian forces.

In addition, according to photos and videos, the U.S. also destroyed an MH/AH-6 Little Bird helicopter, which was likely used by special operations forces.

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

Initially, Iranian media reported the destruction of an F-35; however, a detailed examination of the wreckage indicated it was an F-15E from the 494th Panthers Fighter Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in England.