The F-15E Strike Eagle is a U.S. Air Force twin-engine multirole strike fighter. Known for its long-range precision strike capability and sustained use in combat operations across the Middle East. Recently, an F-15E was shot down over Iran, prompting a major search and rescue operation that successfully recovered both crew members. Last updated Jul 4th, 2026
"On April 4, U.S. forces successfully completed the rescues of two American service members from Iran after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down April 2 during a combat mission.
The service members were safely recovered during separate search and rescue missions.
U.S. strikes into Iran continue as U.S. Central Command forces dismantle the Iranian regime’s ability to project power beyond its borders."
MORE: A U.S. government official told Al Jazeera the rescue operation is ongoing after the missing F-15E crew member was recovered, but the individual is not yet safe as forces work to extract from Iran.
Reports of U.S. helicopter activity over southwestern Iran amid an ongoing search and rescue mission for a missing F-15E crew member, Faytuks News reports.
The Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of the second F-15E Strike Eagle crew member is unknown, a congressional aide told multiple outlets.
Footage shows a USAF HC‑130J “Combat King II” refueling two MH‑60G “Pave Hawk” CSAR helicopters over southern Iran’s countryside while searching for the crew of a downed F‑15E Strike Eagle.
Loaded with AIM-120 AMRAAMs (medium range air to air), AIM-9 Sidewinders (short range IR), conformal fuel tanks for extended range, and external drop tanks for long range missions.
Loaded with AIM-120 AMRAAMs (medium range air to air), AIM-9 Sidewinders (short range IR), conformal fuel tanks for extended range, and external drop tanks for long range missions.
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