U.S. Launches CSAR Mission Over Southern Iran After Reported F-15E Shootdown
The United States has reportedly initiated a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operation over southern Iran, deploying multiple aircraft to locate and recover a downed pilot.
Assets involved in the mission are said to include HC-130J Combat King II for coordination and refueling, MH-60G Pave Hawk for personnel recovery, F-35A Lightning II providing air cover, and MQ-9 Reaper drones conducting search operations.
The operation is reportedly being carried out at low altitude to evade Iranian air defense systems, with aircraft flying deep over contested areas in the southern region. The mission is believed to be linked to efforts to recover the pilot of a F-15E Strike Eagle reportedly shot down by Iranian IRGC forces the previous night.
Images circulating online, allegedly captured by local residents, appear to show aircraft activity consistent with such operations. However, there has been no official confirmation from U.S. authorities.
If verified, the operation would represent a high-risk recovery effort inside heavily defended airspace, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing conflict.