Update—April 3, 14:50 EST: A Blackhawk has been hit by Iran while conducting search-and-rescue operations to find the downed F-15E, and reportedly was “tailed by a trail of smoke” as it flew into southern Iraq, reported @carlabnewsmax on X. Their crew is reportedly safe and accounted for. The NYT also reports that an A-10 Warthog attack plane was hit in the Persian Gulf earlier today, near the Straight of Hormuz, in the same time period the F-15E was shot down.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed the downing of an American F-15E Strike Eagle. The US initially denied these claims, but evidence suggests a downed plane and a search-and-rescue operation playing out.
Additional and unverified reports suggest that a U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II was targeted today as well, but managed to escape.
The downed jet is said to have crashed in a very mountainous region with nearby villages, potentially allowing for the crew to hide from opposition, but also presenting possible complications for search-and-rescue crews.
Videos have circulated of an MC-130J Commando II refueling two UH-60 Black Hawks over southwestern Iran. This would suggest that a search-and-rescue operation, being performed over enemy airspace, is underway.
Attached is an image the Iranians showed as proof of the wreckage, and the region in which the downed plane is believed to have been. Footage of an ejector seat believed to be from the F-15 Strike Eagle has also circulated.
Other reports of a USAF HC-130J and HH-60G Pave Hawks operating this mission to recover the two pilots have been released, as can be seen in the video below.
We have reviewed reports and footage that suggest A-10 II attack aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and F-35 Reaper drones are connected to this search-and-rescue operation.
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