On Friday, a United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, of the 494th Fighter Squadron, was shot down over the dry mountainous region of South Western Iran, near the historic city of Isfahan. As soon as the aircraft went down, alarm bells ran through the US chain of command. The 2-man crew of the fighter ejected over hostile territory and rescuing them was now a top priority. A well choreographed plan, involving hundreds of service personnel and a large number of aircraft was set in motion.After two days of different types of mission including a CIA run deception operation were part of the Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR). After almost two days of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, both the crew of the ill-fated Strike Eagle were rescued.Then, information about the operation started trickling in. The US had lost aircraft on the ground. The Americans claim that the disabled aircraft were destroyed on the ground, so as to not let them fall into the hands of the Iranians. The Iranians on the other hand claim that they shot down two C-130s and two Blackhawk helicopters.The footage shows the wreckage of two C-130 Hercules aircraft, most likely a MC-130J Commando II of the Air Force Special Forces Command, these aircraft cost $100 million. The wreckage of a small helicopter, most likely a MH-6 Little Bird, called Killer Egg by its crew, was also seen. One little bird costs as much as $7.5 million as global military web portal.
The $310 million rescue behind enemy lines
This suggests the loss of at least three aircraft during the rescue operation, putting the total cost of the rescue at approximately $210 million dollars. This does not include the cost of the F-15E. While the initial F-15E Strike Eagles cost $31 million in the 1990s, while newer models cost around a $100 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. Putting the cost of the operation to between $210 million to $310 million.Although the rescue operation cost the Americans dearly in terms of equipment, the principle behind CSAR operations is to rescue downed airmen behind enemy lines. In 1972, during the Vietnam war, the US lost 11 aircrew killed and 2 captured, in the loss of 5 aircraft to rescue Lt Col Iceal Hambleton, who had ejected over North Vietnam. These operations follow the ethos of ‘No man left behind’. The Americans have flown over 10,000 sorties over Iran during the current conflict. The successful conclusion of this operation sends a message – come what may, we will come for you. For the pilots and other aircrew risking their lives over Iran, this is a strong message.
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