N. Prabhakaran Dubai: US Special Forces have successfully executed an extremely difficult mission to rescue a pilot from a warplane shot dow...
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: US Special Forces have successfully executed an extremely difficult mission to rescue a pilot from a warplane shot down over Iran. While one individual has been rescued, the search for the second crew member continues.
Following confirmation from US sources on Friday that a military aircraft had been downed, a search operation was immediately launched. US Army Black Hawk helicopters have been spotted constantly patrolling the area, refueling mid-air from AC-130 Hercules aircraft.
Of the two pilots on board, one has already been secured. The United States is now in a race against time to recover the second crew member before the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) can locate them.
While the Islamic regime's news agency, Tasnim, claims to have captured one pilot, the same agency had initially reported that the aircraft exploded upon impact and there were no survivors.
America's 'Combat Rescue' System
Just as the Israeli Air Force utilizes 'Unit 669' for pilot recovery, the US Air Force relies on its Pararescue units. This elite force is specifically trained to locate and extract pilots trapped behind enemy lines. For these missions, they utilize highly advanced Black Hawk helicopters, often referred to as "Whiskey."
The US Combat Rescue system is activated the moment a pilot ejects. Pilots carry a specialized locator device manufactured by Boeing, equipped with GPS, encrypted messaging capabilities, and satellite communication. This encryption technology allows the military to pinpoint a pilot’s exact location without detection by the enemy. However, officials remain deeply concerned about the harsh Iranian desert climate and the high risk of capture.
Survival Kit
Located beneath the pilot’s seat is a survival kit designed to sustain them for up to 72 hours. It includes:
Medical & Food: A first aid kit, water purification tablets, and high-calorie food rations.
Signaling: A signal mirror, small flares, and an infrared torch.
Protection: A specialized blanket designed to maintain body temperature and shield the pilot from enemy thermal sensors.
The US Air Force Rescue Fleet
The US Air Force currently utilizes the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters for these missions. Built by Sikorsky, these aircraft feature enlarged fuel tanks, aerial refueling probes, missile defense systems, and advanced night vision.
Supporting the mission are HC-130J Combat King II aircraft. These planes serve a triple role: refueling the helicopters, dropping necessary supplies to pilots on the ground, and monitoring enemy movements.
The US military significantly refined its rescue operations during the Vietnam War. While only 10% of downed pilots were rescued during the Korean War, that figure jumped to 71% in Vietnam. Famous historical rescues include Captain Scott O'Grady, who was shot down over Bosnia in 1995, and David Goldfein (who later became the US Air Force Chief of Staff), rescued after being downed in Serbia in 1999.
These missions, often costing millions of dollars, are driven by the American military's steadfast commitment to never leave a soldier behind in enemy territory.
The operation is being led by US Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs). The second officer has not yet been located, and the search is concentrated in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Khuzestan provinces of southwestern Iran.
To assist in the search, the US has deployed a massive array of resources, including A-10 Warthog attack planes and Reaper drones for surveillance. Reports indicate that during the search, one A-10 was hit by Iranian fire, forcing the pilot to eject and rescue themselves near the Kuwaiti border.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media has announced a large reward for local tribespeople who can capture the missing American soldier alive.
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