US losing planes in Iran war: What we know so far (VIDEOS/PHOTOS)

An F-15E fighter and an A-10 attack plane were downed in two separate incidents on Friday, media reports say

Published 4 Apr, 2026 11:15

Two US military aircraft were shot down by Iranian fire on Friday, as the US and Israel continue their strikes. The incident resulted in a successful high-risk search-and-rescue mission deep inside Iranian territory.

The losses occurred less than 48 hours after US President Donald Trump announced that Iran is “beaten and completely decimated” and has “no anti-aircraft equipment,” ramping up the stakes for the conflict, which is already unpopular at home. Iranian officials, however, called the incident a “black day” for the US military.

READ MORE: Iran hits energy sites in Kuwait as US says downed pilot rescued (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Here is what we know so far.

What happened?

On Friday, a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron – part of the 48th Fighter Wing, normally based in Suffolk, England – was shot down over central Iran while conducting combat operations, according to US media outlets.

Both crew members – a pilot and a weapons systems officer – successfully ejected. US special forces quickly rescued the pilot within Iran.

The rescue of the weapons systems officer, however, occurred more than a day later. US helicopters dispatched as part of the initial effort were hit by Iranian fire. According to the Washington Post, US personnel on board were injured, but both aircraft safely returned to their base.

Videos circulating on social media show what appears to be Iranian militia opening small arms fire on two US helicopters.

more:

https://www.rt.com/news/637265-us-losing-planes-iran-war-explainer/