PORTALPEKALONGAN.COM – The international world has been shocked again by military escalation in the Middle East. An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet belonging to the United States Air Force (USAF) reportedly crashed after being hit by an Iranian air defense system last Friday. This incident marks the first time a US manned aircraft has crashed in Iran’s sovereign territory since the latest conflict broke out in February 2026.
Chronology of Shooting in the Skies of Central Iran
The incident began on Friday, April 3, 2026, when F-15E jets from the 494th Fighter Squadron were conducting combat operations. The plane was hit by Iran’s new air defense missile as it passed over Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces.
Iranian state media, Tasnim, initially claimed to have downed an F-35 stealth aircraft, but evidence of debris in the form of the tail fin and ACES II ejection seat circulating on social media confirmed that the aircraft was an F-15E. In addition, an A-10 Warthog attack aircraft was also reportedly hit near the Strait of Hormuz, but the pilot managed to reach Kuwaiti airspace before ejecting safely.
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Dramatic Rescue Operation: “Easter Miracle”
The fate of the two F-15E crew members was confusing. Iran claimed to have captured the pilot, while the local governor offered a reward for residents who found him. However, on Sunday (5/4/2026), President Donald Trump announced that the entire crew had been rescued through a special operation which he called an “Easter Miracle”.
This combat search and rescue (CSAR) operation involved hundreds of special forces personnel, HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft. One crew member was successfully evacuated shortly after the crash, while the crew to…
