Iran downs F-15, A-10 jets; first for US in 20yrs
What's the story
Iran has shot down two United States military aircraft, marking the first time in over two decades that American warplanes have been lost to enemy fire. The incidents occurred five weeks into the ongoing US-Israel campaign against Iran. An F-15E Strike Eagle was downed on Friday, with one crew member rescued and another still missing.
Confirmation
US military confirms F-15E Strike Eagle shot down by Iran
United States Central Command has confirmed that Iran shot down an F-15E Strike Eagle. A US A-10 attack aircraft also crashed after being struck by Iran's air defense. The last time a US fighter jet was shot down in combat was during the Iraq War in 2003. Retired Air Force Brig Gen Houston Cantwell highlighted the rarity of such incidents due to US forces mostly fighting adversaries without advanced anti-aircraft systems.
Ongoing conflict
Experts weigh in on missile type used to hit aircraft
Despite the US bombardment of over 12,300 targets in Iran, the country has continued to launch attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states. Behnam Ben Taleblu emphasized that a disabled air defense system is not a destroyed one. He speculated that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was likely used in these incidents due to their increased vulnerability at lower altitudes.
Pilot training
What happens if US pilot ejects over enemy territory?
Military experts have pointed out that US pilots are extensively trained for high-risk scenarios. In such environments, aviators are trained to detect and evade both infrared and radar-guided missiles. If an aircraft is hit, pilots follow strict protocols after ejection, including assessing injuries and transmitting their location for rescue. However, communication can be risky as adversaries may attempt to intercept or manipulate signals.
Aircraft vulnerability
Last time a US aircraft was shot down in combat
While fighter jet losses are rare, other aircraft have historically faced greater risks. In 1980, a failed US mission to rescue hostages in Tehran ended with two aircraft colliding and killing eight personnel. Helicopters remain particularly exposed due to their lower speed and altitude. A 2005 incident saw a Chinook helicopter shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan, killing 16 troops.