US Israel War Latest News: Iran announced on Saturday that a newly deployed air defence system successfully shot down a US aircraft, as tensions with American and Israeli forces continue to escalate.
The announcement came shortly after the United States confirmed that the second crew member of a downed F-15E fighter jet had been rescued. Iran, however, claimed that it had struck another US aircraft engaged in the rescue mission. According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the plane was targeted while searching for the missing officer in southern Isfahan, as reported by Fars news agency.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command stated on state media, via Reuters, that the system was responsible for downing two US planes and would enable Iran to “definitely achieve full control” over its airspace.
US Israel War Latest News: Third Khordad Missile System Likely Involved
Reports suggest that the strike may have involved Iran’s Third Khordad missile system, a mobile medium-range surface-to-air defence setup. This system is thought to have targeted the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet.
According to the Source, the Third Khordad system could have played a role in the strike, while experts cited by ABC News suggest Iran may have also used passive infrared detection systems. These systems track aircraft without emitting radar signals, making it harder for US jets to detect and evade them.
US Israel War Latest News: F-15E Crash and Crew Rescue
The F-15E, valued at roughly $31 million, reportedly crashed in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in southwestern Iran, near the Iraqi border. Both crew members ejected safely. The first crew member was rescued on Friday, while the second was saved on Sunday.
US Israel War Latest News: A-10 Thunderbolt II Struck During Rescue Mission
During a follow-up mission to recover the missing crew member, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, also called the “Warthog,” was hit. The aircraft crashed after entering Kuwaiti airspace, but the pilot successfully ejected.
These events mark the first confirmed losses of US aircraft inside Iran since the war began on February 28.
US Israel War Latest News: US Military Operations and Impact
Since the start of the conflict, the US military has carried out strikes on over 12,300 targets in Iran. According to US officials, these operations have reduced Iran’s missile and drone capabilities by more than 90 per cent, indicating a significant impact on Tehran’s offensive capabilities.
