An F-15E Strike Eagle from the U.S. Air Force’s 494th Fighter Squadron was shot down over southern Iran on April 3, 2026, marking the first confirmed combat loss of a manned U.S. aircraft over Iranian territory since the war began five weeks ago.

One crew member was rescued by U.S. special forces during a combat search and rescue operation, while the fate of the second remains unclear—reports vary on whether they are still at large in Iran or possibly in Iranian custody.  Iran has offered a bounty for the capture of the downed airman and urged civilians to assist in the search, with some outlets even instructing locals to shoot if encountered. 

Let’s all pray that the missing pilot is found safe and uninjured.