Two US Warplanes Shot Down Over Iran; Two Crewmembers Rescued; One Missing; Search Continues + No Progress on Easter Truce Between Russia & Ukraine + FY27 Defense Budget Details

I - On Defense Podcast · Apr 4, 2026 · 24m

For review:

1. A U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, and one crew member from the plane was later rescued by American forces, U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News.

The F-15E is flown by a two-member crew, and the search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is continuing, two U.S. officials said.

An A-10 Warthog was part of the search and rescue mission when it took fire and was damaged. The Warthog pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was successfully recovered, according to the officials.

2. Current mediation efforts led by regional countries…