The US F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran; the pilot and WSO (weapons systems officer) ejected. The WSO, a full colonel, evaded capture for nearly 48 hr in hostile mountain terrain before activating a military that led to his rescue. The USA government deliberately destroyed two MC-130J Commando 2 aircraft worth $100 million to prevent sensitive technology from falling into Iranian hands.
The USA’s F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran. Two men were ejected, and the WSO evaded capture for nearly 48 hours. The weapons systems officer activated a military beacon that led to his rescue. The US government deliberately destroyed two MC130J Commando 2 aircraft. Iran claims it shot down two MC-130J aircraft and released footage of wreckage. The US version is that the aircraft were destroyed by American forces themselves. The estimated cost of the destroyed assets is around $300 million. The rescue mission sent a message to the Iranian government and other countries about the USA’s willingness to protect its people. The operation involved hundreds of special operators, dozens of aircraft, and a secret forward base. The USA version of events suggests that the mission was a success.
