In a significant escalation of the US-Israel war in Iran, Iranian forces shot down two US military jets in recent days. Three pilots involved in the loss of an F-15 Strike Eagle and an A-10 Warthog ground attack plane have been rescued, but the incidents put the US on notice that Iranian air defenses may not be as degraded as the Trump administration has broadly claimed.

Here’s a timeline of what we know so far.

3-4 April 2026Reports of US planes struck down

Overnight on Friday, an F-15E Strike Eagle with two crew members and belonging to the 48th Fighter Wing of the US air force in Europe was shot down by Iranian forces, with photos of the wreckage circulating on social media. It is believed to be the first US plane brought down by enemy fire during the conflict.

A second plane, an A-10 Warthog, was struck by Iranian fire. Before ejecting, the pilot was able to get the aircraft to Kuwaiti airspace and was also rescued, according to the Washington Post.

4 April 2026A search and rescue mission unfolds

One pilot on the F-15E Strike Eagle was rescued seven hours later with help from two US military helicopters, according to reports. The helicopter that rescued the pilot was reportedly hit by small arms fire, some wounding crew members onboard. The helicopter landed safely and injured rescuers were reported to be receiving medical treatment.

US officials then went quiet, offering no indication if the second airman had ejected safely and was in hiding, had been killed in the crash or captured by Iranian forces. But US aircraft and helicopters were seen in the area where the fighter jet went down.

Read More: A timeline of the two US military jets shot down by Iran forces