Shot down over Iran, hunted for 50 hours: How US fighter survived behind enemy lines

A US Air Force officer revealed how he survived for nearly 50 hours in Iran after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down during a strike mission in April. He shared that more than 90 American service members were eventually deployed in one of the most complex US military rescue operations in recent history.The officer, a weapons-systems officer identified by his mission call sign as “Dude 44 Bravo”, was rescued on Easter Sunday after spending two days injured and hiding in Iran’s mountainous desert, while Iranian forces searched for him.

He had suffered a broken back, arm and shoulder after falling at an estimated 70-100 mph when the missile damaged his parachute.The details were revealed in Bravo’s first public account of the incident in an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes.US launches massive operation to find BravoThe rescue operation involved hundreds of personnel in the air and thousands more supporting the mission, according to Adm Brad Cooper, the US Central Command commander.

More than 90 US service members were on the ground in Iran, marking the first deployment of US ground troops there in 46 years, Cooper said.The US military also used bombers and drones to strike Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces near Bravo’s hiding place before sending in the final rescue team. The CIA played a key role by using a deception campaign to confuse Iranian forces and employing classified technology to locate the downed officer.Bravo said he was badly injured but continued moving after landing about five miles from his pilot, identified as “Alpha”.“

I had injuries, but we all train to adapt and overcome the things that we're faced with,” he said. “I moved as quickly as I could, despite the injuries, away from the place that I landed.” He eventually climbed to a 7,000-foot ridgeline, where he remained hidden from Iranian forces.Iranian forces came close to finding himUS military officials said Iranian ground forces were actively searching for the two airmen after their F-15E went down.“

There was clear intent out of the Iranian ground force to come find those two guys,” Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.Alpha was rescued about six hours after the US learnt of the crash in a risky daytime operation. The rescue helicopters came under fire, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.“ It was a gun fight all the way in and all the way out,” Hegseth said. “But they got Alpha back.”

Bravo, however, could not be located during that operation and had to spend another day alone in the mountains with almost no food or water.He eventually managed to send a message to the US.“ When I got to the moment where I could review and think about all that I'd gone through, I sent, 'God is good,' as a recognition of all that he had brought me through,” Bravo said.F-15E was shot down during Iran strikeThe F-15E, a two-seat fighter valued at about $30 million, was brought down by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile on April 2 during a US strike mission near Isfahan.The mission targeted industrial facilities linked to Iran’s drone and missile programme, according to Cooper.

The area was also close to locations where Iran had stored much of its highly enriched nuclear material.“ When I looked up and saw no parachute, that was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen,” Bravo said.“ So I paused, right then, and I prayed, 'Lord, your will be done. But if I'm getting through this, I need help.'” The damaged aircraft forced both crew members to eject. Alpha was rescued first and has since returned to flying duties.The final rescue force reached Bravo at dawn on Easter Sunday using small “Little Bird” helicopters after landing rescue aircraft on a makeshift desert airstrip.“

Let's go,” Bravo said he told his rescuers when they reached him.The rescue operation itself then ran into another crisis. The landing gear of two rescue aircraft became stuck in the desert sand, leaving more than 90 US personnel stranded. The US eventually destroyed the two aircraft and the Little Bird helicopters to prevent their technology from falling into Iranian hands.Bravo described his survival as a “modern-day miracle” and said the mission demonstrated the US commitment to recovering its personnel.“

I believe that it's a testament to God's provision in my life to bring me through that moment in a way that didn't prevent injuries, but prevented any catastrophic injuries that would have affected my ability to survive,” he said.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.