03.04.2026 17:32
Iran announced that the pilot of the F-15E fighter jet, which was shot down by Iranian air defense systems and whose wreckage images were released, has been captured. While it is claimed that the pilot is being held as a prisoner, it was stated that detailed information would be provided in the coming days. Following these developments, images were released suggesting that the U.S. conducted a rescue operation inside Iran.
According to news reports in the Iranian press, the Revolutionary Guards shot down a U.S. F-15E aircraft in the west of the country. It was announced that the pilot of the downed American fighter jet has been detained.
PILOT WHO USED THE EJECTION SEAT CAPTURED
A reporter speaking to the Tasnim News Agency stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards destroyed an American fighter jet in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in western Iran, and the pilot landed on Iranian territory using the ejection seat. It was mentioned that the pilot has been captured, and detailed information will be announced in the coming days.
IRAN STATE TELEVISION: REWARD FOR FINDING THE PILOTS
Meanwhile, the Iranian Fars news agency also announced that the pilot of the aircraft is still being searched for. Iranian state television announced that a reward would be given for the capture of the pilot or pilots of the downed U.S. fighter jet alive.
In a statement read to the residents of the province on the television channel affiliated with the state television, it was stated, "If you deliver the enemy's pilot or pilots alive to police and military authorities, you will receive a valuable reward."
U.S. LAUNCHED SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION INSIDE IRAN
The same source stated that U.S. rescue teams were sent to the region based on the possibility that the pilot might still be alive. The reporter stated, "Americans are conducting a search operation using Black Hawk helicopters and a Hercules 130 aircraft to rescue the fighter pilot shot down by the Iranian armed forces an hour ago, but their efforts have been unsuccessful."