Iran Shoots Down U.S. F-15E Fighter Jet in Central Iran

Iran's integrated air defense network shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle over central Iran.

IRGC detailed successful interceptions of missiles and drones across multiple provinces.

Aaj English TV

Brigadier General Alireza Elhami attributed the successes to homegrown tactics and modern equipment.

This is the first known loss of a manned U.S. aircraft over Iranian territory.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed one pilot was successfully rescued from Iranian territory.

Extensive search and rescue operations were underway for the second crew member.

Al Jazeera

The downing marked a clear tactical defeat for the U.S.

Iran's Bavar-373 played a critical role in detecting and engaging non-stealth F-15Es.

The F-15E carries a radar cross-section roughly 10 square meters, making it vulnerable despite countermeasures.

Conflicting Iranian claims they shot down an F-35 were refuted by analyses identifying wreckage as an F-15E.

Multiple U.S. aircraft and drones were sunk or captured.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II valued at about $25 million was shot down.

BBC

Two HH-60W helicopters involved in search-and-rescue were damaged.

The conflict had killed over 4,000 people within Iran.