F-15E, A-10 Warthog And Black Hawk: Key US Military Aircrafts Hit By Iran

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 10:00 IST

Iranian fire reportedly hits US F15E, A10 and Black Hawk helicopters amid escalating conflict, two F15E crew member rescued.

Iran-US-Israel War News: The ongoing conflict with Iran has seen several US aircraft come under attack, with multiple incidents reported on Friday, April 3. Fighter jets and helicopters, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, A-10 Thunderbolt II and UH-60 Black Hawk, were hit during operations linked to the war.

These incidents followed repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump, who had asked Tehran to agree to a deal or face severe military action.

US warplanes shot down

Reports first suggested that an F-35 had been downed, with Iranian media claiming a second such aircraft was destroyed over central Iran. However, US officials later confirmed that the aircraft hit was an F-15, not an F-35.

The F-15E, which carries two crew members, was struck by Iranian fire. US special forces managed to rescue one crew member from Iranian territory, second one was rescued on Sunday. 

In a separate incident the same day, an A-10 Warthog was reportedly hit by Iranian missiles near the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft later crashed over Kuwait after the pilot ejected. US officials said the pilot was safely rescued.

US helicopters targeted too

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were also reportedly hit near the Iranian border during a rescue mission for the missing F-15E crew. The helicopters were deployed along with a CJ-130 aircraft.

According to reports, one of the helicopters was struck by an Iranian missile. However, Reuters, citing US officials, said the helicopters were able to exit Iranian airspace despite taking small arms fire.

F-15E Strike Eagle

The F-15E Strike Eagle is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. It operates with a pilot and a weapons systems officer, who manages advanced systems from the rear cockpit.

The aircraft can travel long distances while carrying heavy weapons, making it key to US operations. It can fly at speeds of up to 1,875 miles per hour and carry up to 24,500 pounds of ordnance. It is capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

The F-15E has been used in multiple US missions, including in Iraq, Syria and Libya, mainly for air interdiction roles targeting enemy forces before they engage.

Warthog: A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog", is built for close air support missions. It is designed to attack ground targets such as tanks and armoured vehicles.

The aircraft is known for its durability and ability to withstand direct hits. It is equipped with a powerful 30mm Gatling gun capable of firing up to 3,900 rounds per minute.

The A-10 can operate from basic airfields close to combat zones. During the Gulf War, it maintained a high mission readiness rate and carried out thousands of sorties.

UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a medium-lift utility helicopter used for transport and rescue missions. It typically carries a crew of three and can transport up to 11 combat troops.

It has a maximum speed of 183 mph and a combat range of about 370 miles. With additional fuel tanks, its range can extend significantly.

Different versions of the Black Hawk are in service, including the UH-60M and UH-60V. The helicopter has been widely used in military operations but has also seen accidents during training missions, including a deadly crash in Kentucky in March 2023.

The attacks on US aircraft highlight the increasing risks in the ongoing war. Iran has demonstrated its ability to target both fighter jets and rescue missions, even as US forces continue operations in the region. 

News world F-15E, A-10 Warthog And Black Hawk: Key US Military Aircrafts Hit By Iran

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