A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, marking the first confirmed loss of American aircraft to enemy fire since the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28.
Iranian air defense systems brought down the aircraft, which preliminary analysis of wreckage suggests was an F-15 fighter jet. The fate of the two crew members โ a pilot and weapons systems officer โ remains unknown as search operations continue on both sides.
Iran has deployed military forces across the crash site region and offered financial incentives to civilians who assist in capturing the American aircrew. The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province announced that anyone who captures or kills the crew members would receive special commendation and rewards.
Dear and honourable people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, if you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus
Iranian television reporter โ official local channel
Iranian media circulated images and videos allegedly showing debris from the downed aircraft, including what appears to be an ejection seat. The Pentagon and US Central Command have not responded to requests for comment about the incident.
Reports the incident as a significant military development in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Frames the downing as the first such loss since the conflict began, emphasizing the search for crew members and Trump's statements about continued military pressure.