One U.S. crew member has been rescued after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran on April 3, 2026, at approximately 6:45 a.m. ET. This incident marks the first time a U.S. crewed aircraft has been downed inside hostile territory during Operation Epic Fury.
The F-15E, believed to belong to the 494th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, was reportedly downed in the Persian Gulf region, where another U.S. military aircraft also went down. Iranian officials have urged civilians to search for survivors and have shared images of the wreckage on social media.
As of now, the condition and location of the second crew member remain unknown. The F-15E is a multirole combat aircraft capable of striking ground targets and operating in all weather conditions, having entered operational service with the U.S. Air Force in late 1988.
This advanced variant of the original F-15 can carry more than 20 tons of fuel and weapons, significantly more than the 13 tons carried by earlier models. Equipped with powerful engines, the F-15E can maintain a top speed of Mach 2.5 and has seen combat in every major U.S. conflict zone since its introduction.
In response to the incident, former President Donald Trump commented, “Well, I can’t comment on it because — we hope that’s not going to happen,” indicating the gravity of the situation. He also stated, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war,” reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding U.S.-Iran relations.
Additionally, a governor from Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province remarked, “Whoever captured or killed the crew would be specially commended,” suggesting the potential for further escalation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact location and condition of the second crew member, as well as conflicting reports about the origin of helicopters deployed for the search.
This incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the risks faced by military personnel operating in hostile territories.
