Former President Donald Trump hailed the US military's rescue of both crew members from an F-15E fighter jet downed by Iranian air defenses near Isfahan as 'one of the most daring' operations in history. The pilot was extracted shortly after the crash, while the wounded weapons systems officer—a colonel—evaded capture for nearly 48 hours using survival training before rescue from remote mountains. Iran offered rewards for the crew's capture, as Chinese experts noted the downing boosts Tehran's morale and air-defense prowess.
An F-15E Strike Eagle was downed by Iran's air-defense system near the southern city of Isfahan on Friday, according to Iranian officials, who released images of debris. State media celebrated the feat, with former PLA personnel stating it boosts Iranian morale and demonstrates retained air-defense capabilities despite ongoing conflicts.
US forces rescued the pilot in a high-risk combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission shortly after the ejection, with Trump posting on social media that it was “one of the most daring search and rescue operations” in US history, adding the airman was “safe and sound” despite being “seriously wounded.” The weapons systems officer, a highly respected Air Force colonel also seriously wounded, evaded capture by climbing roughly 7,000 feet into rugged terrain, relying on Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training and a satellite beacon amid Iranian searches 'in big numbers.' Tehran offered the public a reward to hand over the missing air force officer in an attempt to capture an American prisoner of war.
The colonel was rescued deep in Iran's mountains nearly 48 hours later in broad daylight. Trump monitored the massive effort alongside Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, directing dozens of aircraft, hundreds of special operations personnel, helicopters, cyber, space, and intelligence support. Israeli intelligence aided, pausing airstrikes; CIA deception confused pursuers; MQ-9 Reapers secured a lethal perimeter; Iranian convoys were struck. Reports vary on combat: some cite engagements, others none, with a few rescue aircraft hit but safe. Two MC-130J planes were disabled and destroyed to prevent capture.
Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie praised the mission's execution, stressing the tradition of never leaving anyone behind. Trump announced a Monday 1:00 p.m. ET press conference with military officials. CENTCOM and Department of War declined immediate comment.
