Iran Shoots Down US A-10 Warthog and F-15; Rescue Under Way
Image: Al-Qahira 24

Iran Shoots Down US A-10 Warthog and F-15; Rescue Under Way

03 April, 2026.Iran.13 sources

Key Takeaways

  • F-15E and A-10 downed in Iran.
  • One aircrew member rescued; search for the other continues.
  • Iran claims both jets were downed; U.S. confirmation pending.

Iran Downs Two US Jets

Iranian forces shot down two American military aircraft.

The A-10 Warthog pilot was rescued.

Image from Air & Space Forces Magazine
Air & Space Forces MagazineAir & Space Forces Magazine

One of the two F-15 crew members was rescued; one remained missing.

This was the first confirmed combat loss of US crewed aircraft during the conflict.

Iran Releases Footage, Boasts Victory

Iran broadcast visuals purporting to show the moment they downed the two US jets.

Tehran was quick to boast about the incident as a second successful hit within 24 hours.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Iranian Parliament Speaker mocked Trump's claims of victory.

The capture of missing US personnel could shift the diplomatic calculus.

Rescue Efforts and Damage

US search-and-rescue forces mounted a large operation.

2 US aircraft shot down as war in Iran escalates

AP NewsAP News

At least one rescue helicopter was hit but managed to land.

The Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed.

The Council on Foreign Relations called the campaign a major shift to pursuing regime change.

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