The US military’s rescue operation for two crew members from an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down over southwestern Iran on April 3 utilised the specialised capabilities of the HH-60W, A-10, HC-130, and F-35, according to reports.
The rescue operation was carried out in two separate phases over 48 hours, described by US President Donald Trump as a “daring” and “miraculous” mission that demonstrated American air dominance.
News18 explains the aircraft used.
WHAT WAS RESCUE OPERATION 1? DETAILS OF APRIL 3 EXTRACTION
One pilot was rescued within hours of theinitial shootdownin southwestern Iran. The rescue involved at least two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and was supported by an A-10 Warthog. During the extraction, one of the rescue helicopters was hit by small arms fire, injuring crew members on board,
though it managed to land safely. A-10 Warthog providing cover was also hit by Iranian fire. Its pilot was forced to navigate the damaged aircraft out of Iranian airspace before ejecting over the Gulf, where they were subsequently rescued, Al Jazeera and BBC reported.
WHAT WAS RESCUE OPERATION 2? DETAILS OF APRIL 5 EXTRACTION
The second crew member, a Colonel serving as the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO), was rescued on the morning of Easter Sunday, April 5, after evading capture for roughly 36 hours. The airman was “escaping and evading” in the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province while being “hunted down” by Iranian forces and local nomadic tribes.
The mission involved dozens of aircraft and hundreds of U.S. special forces.
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A massive firefight broke out at the extraction site as US special operators engaged IRGC forces who were closing in on the officer’s location. The officer sustained injuries during the ordeal but was reported to be “safe and sound” following the extraction.
For this rescue operation, HH-60s worked alongside dozens of aircraft and special forces to extract the remaining officer following a fierce firefight in mountainous terrain.
THE AIRCRAFT USED IN THE IRAN RESCUE MISSION
These aircraft were used in the Iran rescue mission, according to BBC and other reports:
HH-60W Jolly Green II: Two of these primary recovery helicopters were used to extract the downed airmen. During the mission, at least one was struck by Iranian fire but managed to escape back to safety.
A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog): These provided close air support and “Sandy” escort for the helicopters. One A-10 was reportedly lost over the Persian Gulf during the operation, with its pilot successfully rescued.
HC-130J Combat King II: Acted as the mission’s “eyes and ears,” providing command and control, while also performing critical mid-air refueling for the HH-60Ws to extend their time over the search area.
F-35 Lightning II: Although there is no official confirmation on their use, some reports said stealth jets provided “top cover,” suppressing Iranian air defenses and ensuring the slower rescue assets weren’t targeted by enemy fighters. One F-35 reportedly made an emergency landing after being struck by hostile fire.
WHY THESE AIRCRAFT ARE IDEAL FOR CSAR?
- HH-60W: It has advanced sensors, 600lb-capacity hoist, and armor plating. It is specifically designed to hover in hostile zones and extract personnel from difficult terrain.
- A-10: It has titanium “bathtub” cockpit and 30mm GAU-8 cannon. It can fly “low and slow” to precisely identify pilots and suppress ground threats with massive firepower.
- HC-130J: It has tactical data links and an in-flight refueling probe. It serves as an airborne gas station and command hub, allowing helicopters to loiter deep inside enemy territory.
- F-35: It has advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion. It can operate undetected to neutralise sophisticated radar and air defense systems that would otherwise kill rescue helicopters.
KEY FAQs
Did the US actually use HH-60W, A-10, HC-130, and F-35 together?
HH-60W “Jolly Green II” and HC-130 were confirmed core rescue assets. A-10 Warthog was used for protection/escort. Reports claim F-35 was used, although it is not officially confirmed. Reliable reporting shows HH-60W helicopters and HC-130 aircraft were central to the mission, with A-10s providing cover.
What does each aircraft do in a rescue mission?
HH-60W Jolly Green II rescues the pilot directly from enemy territory. It is built for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR). HC-130 Combat King II refuels helicopters mid-air + coordinates mission. It acts like a flying command and fuel hub. A-10 Warthog protects the rescue zone. It destroys ground threats and enemy forces. F-35, if used, provides stealth cover and intelligence gathering. It helps detect threats and suppress air defences.
What makes this combination so effective?
This mix creates a layered rescue system. A-10 handles ground threats, HC-130 refueling lets helicopters go deep into enemy territory, HH-60W safely picks up the pilot, F-35 reduces detection risk.
With agency inputs
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