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10 Key Facts on the U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran in Escalating Conflict
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, marking the first confirmed loss of an American manned combat aircraft since the outbreak of direct hostilities between the United States and Iran in late February 2026, U.S. officials and multiple news outlets reported.

The incident, confirmed by U.S. sources to CNN and CBS News, triggered an immediate combat search-and-rescue operation for the jet’s two crew members. Iranian state media claimed responsibility, releasing photos of wreckage that analysts identified as consistent with an F-15E rather than the F-35 initially touted by Tehran. One crew member has reportedly been rescued, while efforts continue for the second, according to CBS News citing U.S. officials.
Here are 10 key facts about the aircraft, the incident and its broader context as the U.S.-Iran conflict enters a dangerous new phase.
- The Aircraft: A Proven Workhorse Now Lost in Combat The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat, all-weather strike fighter derived from the original F-15 Eagle air superiority jet. Built by Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas), it entered service in 1988 and is renowned for its twin Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, allowing speeds over Mach 2.5 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles with external tanks. The “E” model adds conformal fuel tanks, advanced radar and weapons systems for deep interdiction and close air support missions. Prior to Friday, the F-15 family had never been lost in air-to-air combat, a record that made the jet symbolically “undefeated” until this reported engagement.
- First Confirmed U.S. Manned Aircraft Loss in the Current Conflict U.S. officials described the downing as the initial verified combat loss of a manned U.S. aircraft since Operation Epic Fury commenced in late February. Earlier Iranian claims of F-15 shootdowns near Hormuz Island in March were repeatedly denied by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that more than 8,000 combat sorties had been flown without loss to Iranian fire. Friday’s incident changes that calculus, escalating the stakes in a war that has already involved widespread airstrikes on Iranian targets.
- Iranian Claim vs. Initial Reporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state media initially asserted they had downed a stealthy F-35 using advanced air defenses. Photos and video released by Iranian outlets, however, showed debris — including tail sections and fuselage components — matching the non-stealth F-15E configuration, according to CNN analysis and aviation experts. The discrepancy highlights ongoing information warfare, with Tehran seeking to portray a major technological victory.
- Location and Mission Context The jet came down over Iranian territory, with some reports pointing to southwestern or central regions amid active U.S. strike operations. The F-15E was likely conducting a deep-strike or suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses mission when hit, possibly by a surface-to-air missile. Exact details remain classified, but the loss occurred during intensified operations against Iranian military and nuclear-related sites.
- Crew Status: Partial Rescue Underway The F-15E carries a pilot and weapons systems officer (WSO). U.S. forces launched an urgent search-and-rescue effort involving UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and HC-130J Combat King II tankers, with footage circulating of low-level operations near or inside Iranian airspace. One crew member was rescued by American forces as of Friday afternoon, per CBS reports; the second remains missing, prompting continued operations and Iranian appeals for civilians to assist in a possible capture.
- Iran’s Air Defense Systems in Play Iran credits its integrated air defense network, including Russian-supplied S-300 systems and domestically developed variants such as the Bavar-373, for the successful engagement. Whether the F-15E was struck by a long-range missile or shorter-range system has not been publicly detailed. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of U.S. electronic warfare and stealth tactics against Iran’s layered defenses in a high-threat environment.
- Broader Conflict Timeline The U.S.-Iran war escalated after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian facilities. Previous F-15E losses occurred in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait in early March, when three Strike Eagles were mistakenly downed by allied defenses — all crews ejected safely. Friday’s event marks the first direct enemy-action loss inside Iran, shifting the narrative from operational mishaps to combat vulnerability.
- Strategic and Symbolic Impact Losing an F-15E does not alter overall U.S. air superiority, given the large numbers deployed and advanced capabilities of accompanying F-22s, F-35s and support aircraft. However, it provides Iran with propaganda value and could embolden its proxies while forcing U.S. planners to reassess risk profiles for manned missions over heavily defended territory. Pentagon officials have not yet commented publicly on adjustments to tactics.
- Human and Operational Costs Both crew members are trained in survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) techniques. If the second airman remains in Iranian hands, the situation could evolve into a hostage crisis with significant diplomatic and political ramifications in Washington. Rescue operations themselves carry risk, as evidenced by videos showing U.S. helicopters operating in contested airspace. No fatalities have been reported, but the psychological toll on aircrews flying subsequent missions is expected to be notable.
- Ongoing Information Battle and Geopolitical Ripple Effects The incident has ignited a fresh round of competing narratives. Iranian television broadcast images of wreckage and ejection seats while offering rewards for information on the crew. U.S. sources confirmed the loss but provided limited details, consistent with operational security during active conflict. The downing comes as global oil markets react nervously to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and as allies monitor potential escalation involving other regional actors. Analysts warn that such losses could prolong the conflict or push both sides toward riskier decisions.
The F-15E’s loss underscores the dangers inherent in sustained air operations against a determined adversary equipped with modern air defenses. While the U.S. maintains overwhelming technological and numerical advantages in the theater, the event serves as a reminder that no platform is invulnerable.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations into the exact circumstances begin, the Pentagon and White House face mounting pressure to balance aggressive campaign objectives with force protection. Iranian claims of further successes will likely proliferate, requiring careful verification amid the fog of war.
Military experts note that the F-15E remains a highly capable platform with decades of upgrades, including the latest APG-82 radar and advanced targeting pods. Its downing does not signal a collapse of U.S. air dominance but highlights the need for continued adaptation in electronic attack, standoff weapons and unmanned systems to minimize future risks to pilots.
The incident also revives debate over the role of manned fighters versus stealthier, unmanned alternatives in peer-level conflicts. For now, however, the focus remains on recovering the missing crew member and supporting the family of those involved.
This developing story has implications far beyond the cockpit. With tensions high and diplomacy stalled, the loss of the F-15E could influence congressional oversight of the conflict, public opinion and long-term U.S. posture in the Middle East.
U.S. Central Command has not released an official statement detailing the cause or full circumstances as of early Saturday. Pentagon spokespeople declined immediate comment beyond confirming search-and-rescue activities.
As Easter weekend observances unfolded in the United States, the news added a somber note to an already volatile global landscape. Further updates are expected as more information emerges from the field and from official channels.
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OSL Group Limited (BCTCF) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Operator
So much appreciate for everyone’s patience. We should get started.
Thank you for joining us today for OSL Group 2025 Annual Results Presentation. My name is Kenrick, Director of Corporate Development, and I will be your moderator for today’s session. Today’s call will begin with remarks from our senior management team. I’m pleased to have with us Kevin Cui, Executive Director and CEO; Ivan Wong, CFO; and Gary Tiu, our Executive Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs. [Operator Instructions] In the first half of the call, our management team will provide an overview and update on our annual results. This will then follow with a Q&A session. [Operator Instructions]
As a disclaimer, this presentation is for informational purposes only and do not constitute any financial advice or offer to buy or sell a security. During the presentation, we will cover 3 key areas, including the OSL Opportunity, the business highlight, financial and operational update. So without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce Kevin, our CEO, to start presenting the OSL Opportunity. Kevin, please go ahead. Kevin, I think you might just unmute yourself first? I think you might be muted. Sorry about that.
Song Cui
CEO & Executive Director
Okay. Sorry about that. Thank you, Garrant. Good morning, everyone. Let’s start with the OSL Opportunity. Our mission is to take — sorry, our mission is to make money move as freely as information. To achieve this, we are scaling OSL into a global stable coin payment and trading platform. Guided by being open, secure and licensed, we will continue to provide the essential payment rails for our partners and users, bridging
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TikTok finance influencer Taylor Price says “Money is more mental than it is mathematical” on Stuart Varney’s “Varney & Co.” (FOX Business/Getty Images / FOXBusiness)
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(VIDEO) Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran With Wreckage Images Released
Iranian air defenses shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over central Iran on Friday, U.S. officials confirmed, as Tehran released images of wreckage that appeared to match the twin-engine strike fighter and escalated claims of capturing the crew.

A senior U.S. official told Reuters that the aircraft was downed and a search-and-rescue operation was underway for its two crew members — the pilot and weapons systems officer. The Pentagon has not released further details on the jet’s unit or mission, but multiple reports identified it as an F-15E from the 494th Fighter Squadron, part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Britain and deployed in support of U.S. Central Command operations.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, published photos Friday showing scattered debris, including what aviation experts identified as a vertical stabilizer and other F-15E components with distinctive markings. Iranian officials initially claimed the downed aircraft was an advanced F-35 stealth fighter, but images clearly depicted wreckage consistent with the non-stealth F-15E Strike Eagle.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iranian targets, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some accounts. It comes amid weeks of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites and proxy forces, with Iran vowing retaliation for what it calls aggression against its sovereignty.
U.S. Central Command has faced previous unverified Iranian claims of downing American aircraft, including earlier assertions involving F-15Es and F-35s that were denied or attributed to other causes such as friendly fire incidents over Kuwait. In one prior case, three F-15Es were reportedly lost to allied defenses in Kuwait early in the conflict, though pilots returned to operations.
Friday’s event appears to be the first confirmed loss of a U.S. combat jet over Iranian territory. Iranian state media reported the jet was engaged by IRGC air defense systems while conducting strike operations. Tehran also circulated unverified claims that the crew ejected and one or both airmen may have been captured on the ground, though U.S. officials have not corroborated any capture and emphasized the active rescue effort.
“The aircraft was operating in support of ongoing missions when it was lost,” a U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. “We are actively searching for the crew and monitoring the situation closely.”
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a highly capable all-weather fighter-bomber used for precision strikes, close air support and air superiority missions. It carries a crew of two and is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and a wide array of munitions. The 494th “Panthers” squadron has a storied history, having participated in operations across the Middle East for decades.
Aviation analysts noted that while the F-15E is not stealthy like the F-35, its robust design and defensive aids make it difficult to down. Iranian claims of using advanced surface-to-air missiles to achieve the hit would represent a notable success for Tehran’s layered air defense network, which includes Russian-supplied systems and indigenous developments.
Photos released by Tasnim showed twisted metal, a large crater and identifiable F-15E parts strewn across what appeared to be arid Iranian countryside. One image highlighted tail markings consistent with U.S. Air Force European Command assets. Experts cautioned that while the debris aligns with an F-15E, independent verification of the location and circumstances remains limited due to restricted access in Iran.
The downing risks further inflaming tensions in a conflict that has already drawn in regional actors and raised concerns about broader escalation involving Russia, China or other powers. Israel has conducted parallel operations, and the U.S. has deployed additional naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf region, including carrier strike groups.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to confirm specifics on the aircraft model or crew status during a Friday briefing but acknowledged “hostile action” as a possible cause. “Our forces remain committed to the mission while prioritizing the safety of our personnel,” Ryder said.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the air defenses in a statement, calling the incident proof of Iran’s resolve. “The aggressors will pay a heavy price for every violation of our airspace,” he said via state media.
This is not the first time Iran has showcased wreckage to bolster its claims. In past incidents involving drones and missiles, Tehran has released imagery for propaganda purposes. However, ground photos of a manned fighter jet represent a rarer and more provocative development.
U.S. search-and-rescue assets, including specialized helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, were reported active near Iranian borders, though operating from international or allied airspace to avoid further losses. Iranian media shared video purportedly showing U.S. rescue attempts, which Tehran claimed were repelled.
The two-person crew of an F-15E typically includes an experienced pilot and a weapons systems officer responsible for targeting and electronic warfare. Both wear ejection seats, giving them a chance of survival even in high-threat environments. Their fate — whether rescued, in custody or otherwise — could dictate the next phase of the conflict.
Military analysts warn that a confirmed pilot capture would create immense pressure on the U.S. administration to respond, potentially through special operations or intensified airstrikes. Past incidents, such as the 2019 downing of a U.S. drone by Iran, led to heightened alerts but stopped short of direct manned aircraft losses.
The broader context involves U.S. and Israeli efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities following years of sanctions and diplomatic standoffs. Strikes have targeted sites near Natanz, Fordow and other locations, with Iran responding via missile barrages toward Israel and proxy attacks in the region.
Friday’s event occurred as the conflict entered what some describe as a more intense phase, with increased sorties over Iranian territory. The loss of even one F-15E, while not crippling to U.S. airpower, highlights vulnerabilities in operations against a defended adversary and could influence future tactics, such as greater reliance on standoff weapons or stealth platforms.
Congressional leaders from both parties called for briefings on the incident. “The safety of our troops is paramount, and any attack on U.S. forces demands a decisive response,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
The U.S. has not ruled out retaliation but emphasized de-escalation pathways through backchannel communications. Diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Oman and European allies continue in hopes of preventing a wider war.
As night fell in the region, the search for the crew remained the immediate priority. U.S. officials expressed confidence in recovery capabilities but acknowledged the challenges of operating near or over hostile territory.
The F-15E has a strong safety record overall, but combat losses in contested airspace are a grim reminder of the risks inherent in power projection. Previous U.S. jet losses in the Middle East have been rare since the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq invasion.
Iran’s ability to publicize the wreckage so quickly suggests its intelligence and media apparatus was prepared. State television aired footage of jubilant crowds and military officials inspecting debris.
For the families of the crew, the hours since the incident have been marked by uncertainty. The Air Force has protocols for notifying next of kin, though details were withheld pending confirmation.
This developing story underscores the volatile nature of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. While previous Iranian claims often proved exaggerated or false, the combination of U.S. confirmation of a loss, released imagery and an active rescue mission points to a serious combat event.
As investigations proceed, questions linger over the exact missile system used, the jet’s altitude and mission profile, and whether electronic warfare or other factors played a role. Independent analysts will scrutinize the debris photos for clues on impact type and aircraft configuration.
The incident could also affect domestic U.S. politics, with critics questioning the scope of operations against Iran and supporters urging stronger action to protect forces.
In the skies over the Middle East, operations continue. Additional F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s and bombers remain on station, ready to prosecute targets while crews maintain heightened vigilance against air defenses.
The downing of the F-15E serves as a stark illustration that even advanced Western fighters face risks when penetrating sophisticated integrated air defense systems. It may prompt reviews of rules of engagement and force protection measures.
Tehran, meanwhile, seeks to leverage the event for domestic unity and international messaging, portraying Iran as capable of defending itself against superpower aggression.
U.S. allies, including Britain — whose base hosts the implicated squadron — expressed concern and offered support for the rescue effort. NATO members have been monitoring the situation closely.
As of late Friday, no further losses were reported, but the fog of war persists. The coming days will likely bring more clarity on the crew’s status and potential U.S. responses.
The episode adds another chapter to the long history of U.S.-Iran military friction, from the 1980s tanker war to today’s high-tech aerial contest. With wreckage on the ground and a rescue underway, the human and strategic costs are once again in sharp focus.
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