US fighter jet shot down over Iran, pilot rescued, search for other crew ongoing

A United States fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Apr. 3.

According to CBS News, the F-15E's pilot was rescued by U.S. forces while the search for the other crew member is ongoing.

The incident comes despite repeated assertions by U.S. president Donald Trump, defense secretary Pete Hegseth, and military commanders that U.S. air superiority had largely neutralised Iran's attack capabilities and air defences during the war.

Rescue mission launched, pilot found

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard said it had shot down the fighter jet over central Iran on Apr. 3.

A combat rescue mission was launched by U.S. forces shortly after.

Another U.S. aircraft subsequently came under fire and was damaged during the rescue mission, and its pilot was also rescued after ejecting over the Persian Gulf.

Images circulating on social media appeared to show at least three U.S. military aircraft flying at low altitude over central and southwestern Iran to find the F-15E's missing weapons system officer.

Two helicopters were also deployed in the operation and managed to retrieve the F-15E pilot who had ejected.

The helicopter carrying the recovered pilot was hit by small arms fire, but landed safely.

Iran offers reward to capture downed U.S. pilots

The incident comes despite repeated assertions by the U.S. that it had largely neutralised Iran's defences during the war.

U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said: "We don't see their navy sailing. We don't see their aircraft flying, and their air and missile defense systems have largely been destroyed."

Iran is offering monetary rewards for those who are able to capture the downed U.S. pilots and surrender them to the police, reported Turkey media.

This prompted armed residents to search across the Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province's mountains and plains, ready to fight enemy forces if encountered.

Top photo via OSINTdefender/X