Special Forces, Dozens of Aircraft: How US Pulled Off Daring Rescue of F-15 Crew in Iran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the rescue of a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet, calling it a “daring” operation carried out deep inside Iran.

“We got him,” Trump said, revealing that the airman was recovered after a high-risk search-and-rescue mission involving dozens of US aircraft armed with what he described as “the most lethal weapons in the world.”

The development follows Friday’s incident in which Iran shot down a two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle over its southern region. While the pilot was rescued shortly after ejecting, the weapons systems officer remained missing for over a day.

High-risk rescue operation

In a detailed post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the airman was located and rescued after an intense two-day operation. “He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” he added.

According to reports, hundreds of US special operations troops were deployed deep inside Iranian territory for the mission. The rescue, which began under the cover of darkness and continued into daylight, reportedly involved a firefight as US forces secured the airman.

US aircraft are said to have carried out strikes on Iranian convoys to prevent them from reaching the area where the crew member was hiding.

Advanced military assets deployed

The operation took place within Iran’s heavily defended airspace, under constant missile and radar threat. Among the assets reportedly used were HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, A-10 Warthog attack jets, HC-130 refuelling aircraft and F-35 stealth fighters.

The HH-60W, the US Air Force’s latest combat search-and-rescue helicopter, played a key role in the extraction. Designed for high-risk missions, it features advanced sensors, long-range capability and heavy defensive armament for operations under fire.

How the rescue unfolded

Both crew members established communication after ejecting from the aircraft. The pilot was rescued within hours, despite a US Black Hawk helicopter being hit during the initial operation.

The second crew member, however, remained hidden in mountainous terrain. According to reports, the Central Intelligence Agency launched a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces, while simultaneously working to pinpoint his location.

Once identified, US special forces were inserted near the site, with air cover provided by attack aircraft as helicopters moved in under hostile fire to extract the airman.

‘Never truly alone’

Trump described the rescued officer as a “highly respected Colonel” and said he was now “safe and sound.”

“This brave warrior was behind enemy lines… but was never truly alone,” Trump said, adding that US military leadership had been tracking his position around the clock.

He also revealed that both crew members were rescued in separate operations — a rare feat in hostile territory. “We will never leave an American warfighter behind,” he said.

Iran’s response

Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the rescue. However, state-linked media reported that a US aircraft involved in the search mission was destroyed in southern Isfahan by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Tehran had earlier announced a reward for information leading to the capture of the missing airman, underscoring the high stakes surrounding the operation.

The dramatic rescue highlights the escalating tensions in the region, as well as the risks involved in military operations conducted deep within adversary territory.