Downed F‑15 Crew’s Rescue in Iran Yields Lessons On Contested Recon

fighter in flight

The downing of the F-15E in Iran sparked the largest rescue operation in recent memory.

Credit: U.S. Air Force
The failed Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 mission to rescue hostages inside Iran served as a major turning point for U.S. special operations forces, with the loss of personnel, Lockheed Martin C-130s and helicopters spurring massive changes in training and joint operations. It also specifically led to...
Brian Everstine

Brian Everstine is the Pentagon Editor for Aviation Week, based in Washington, D.C.

Downed F‑15 Crew’s Rescue in Iran Yields Lessons On Contested Recon is available to both Aviation Week & Space Technology and AWIN subscribers.

Subscribe now to read this content, plus receive critical analysis into emerging trends, technological advancements, operational best practices and continuous updates to policy, requirements and budgets.

Already a subscriber to AW&ST or AWIN? Log in with your existing email and password.