U.S. Fighter Jet Lost Over Iran, Apparently Can't Find Exit Ramp

KEY POINTS

•On April 20, 2024, a US F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran amid ongoing hostilities.
•Iranian media, linked to the Revolutionary Guard, released debris photos and videos of rescue operations featuring Black Hawk and C-130 aircraft.
•Operation Epic Fury has experienced several aircraft losses, including friendly fire from Kuwait and a fatal KC-135 crash in Iraq.

In a dramatic April 20, 2024, midair drama starring a US F-15E Strike Eagle and a kindly KC-135 Stratotanker, America’s latest high-flying expense was reportedly shot down over Iran, according to both sides trying their best at a game of ‘Who Knows What Actually Happened.’ Iranian semi-official Tasnim news, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard (because who better to report than your own TGIF special?), showcased jet debris and frantic Black Hawk and C-130 rescue choreography. This loss nudges the burgeoning Operation Epic Fury tally, which has already seen friendly Kuwaiti air defenses summarily 'help' shoot down three F-15s earlier, never mind the tragic March 12 KC-135 crash killing six crew over Iraq. Meanwhile, CENTCOM refreshes their cryptic poker face, dodging official comment. Oh, and roughly 350 U.S. troops wound up casualties—with most soldiering on like this is just another Tuesday. Truly, air superiority is a risky business when even your own side can’t keep track of Friend or Foe.