2026 United States F-15E rescue operation in Iran

The 2026 United States F-15E rescue operation in Iran was a heroic combat search and rescue (CSAR) operation conducted by the United States Armed Forces in early April 2026, recovering two crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle of 494th Fighter Squadron which was shot down by Iranian forces on 3 April 2026, over Iranian territory during the Operation Epic Fury.

The pilot was quickly rescued by U.S. forces after the crash, according to current and former U.S. officials. The operation involved hundreds of U.S. soldiers and dozens of aircraft. The weapon systems officer (WSO) escaped into the Zagros Mountains, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), SEAL Team Six (- the unit that got Osama Bin Laden), and the local nomadic tribesmen worked to find him. The WSO was reportedly recovered by the elite U.S. forces supported by 155 aircraft. It has been described as "one of the most challenging and complex [missions] in the history of U.S. special operations".

Though Iran claimed multiple aircraft shootdowns during the operation, the U.S. clarified there had been a shootdown of one of its A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, and the intentional destruction of two of its Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in order to avoid capture.

President Trump later described the airman's survival efforts, stating he was "bleeding profusely" and survived for roughly 36–48 hours behind enemy lines while evading capture.

Background

After exhausted ganes by Iran in its "negotiations" on its nuclear programs, etc., on 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel started a series of surprise attacks on a variety of military and industrial targets across Iran: Operation Epic Fury.

On 3 April, an American F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran with a shoulder-fired missile.

Rescue operation

The F-15E Strike Eagle normally carries a pilot and a weapon systems officer (WSO). The U.S. military launched an immediate rescue operation.

The pilot was successfully rescued within hours, while the WSO remained behind enemy lines.

The downed officer survived roughly 36–48 hours while injured and evading capture in mountainous terrain, reportedly treating his own wounds while hiding from hostile forces.

The first message from the pilot was: 'God is good!'

The rescue mission involved a large-scale coordinated air operation. According to U.S. officials, more than 155 aircraft participated, including bombers, fighter jets, refueling tankers, and rescue aircraft, using deception tactics to mislead Iranian forces searching for the airman.

Israeli intelligence and tactical support played a role in searching for the missing pilots, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Iranian assets to sabotage and disrupt Iranian attempts to find the WSO.

Heroic airman. The colonel survived for roughly 36 hours by climbing to over 7,000 feet in the Zagros Mountains, hiding in a rocky crevice, and evading capture while armed only with a pistol and survival gear.

Deception Tactics: The CIA launched a deception campaign designed to confuse Iranian forces, spreading misinformation that the airman had already been captured or that the U.S. was attempting to move him via a different route.

7 Locations Strategy: President Trump indicated that "we were scattered all over" in seven different locations across the country to intentionally create confusion, disperse Iranian forces, and hide the pilot's true location.

The Rescue: Navy SEAL Team Six and U.S. commandos carried out the high-risk rescue, supported by attack aircraft that engaged Iranian convoys to create a safe zone for extraction.

Aftermath: The rescued officer is safe, though the mission involved the destruction of two U.S. transport planes and damage to helicopters due to the intense nature of the rescue.

Trump and defense officials described how a "no-fail" rescue operation faced critical complications on the ground.

Lighter Aircraft Deployment: The primary rescue aircraft became "bogged down" in wet sand after landing to retrieve the personnel. A contingency plan was immediately activated, deploying "faster, lighter planes" to successfully extract the team and the rescued airmen.

Destruction of Equipment: To prevent sensitive military technology and anti-aircraft equipment from falling into Iranian hands, the U.S. military "blew up" its own stuck aircraft "to smithereens" before exiting Iranian territory.

Military Subterfuge: Trump praised the "genius" of a deception campaign involving 155 aircraft—including bombers, fighters, and refueling tankers—used to mislead Iranian forces about the actual rescue location.

Continuous Coordination: War Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that a secure coordination call remained open for 45 hours and 56 minutes to manage the evolving situation from the moment the jet went down until the final rescue was complete.

Reactions

United States

President Donald Trump described the operation as one of the most daring rescue missions in U.S. history and emphasized the military principle of leaving no service member behind.

Iran

The Iran regime was left ‘embarrassed and humiliated’ by the daring operation.

Israel

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee thanked Israel for its role, stating that U.S. special forces carried out a "brilliant" operation with assistance from Israeli intelligence and security services. Netanyahu congratulated Trump who also thanked for Israel's assistance.