A-10 Warthog Goes Down as Air War Over Iran Intensifies

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II crashed near the Strait of Hormuz during active combat operations, marking another serious incident in the expanding air war tied to Operation Epic Fury. The pilot was recovered safely, according to U.S. officials, though the cause of the crash has not been confirmed.

The incident occurred at nearly the same time a F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran. One crew member has been rescued, while search efforts continue for the second. The loss represents the first confirmed shoot-down of a manned U.S. aircraft by enemy fire in the operation.

Combat Losses and Confusion Over the Battlefield

Iranian state media claimed responsibility for downing both aircraft and circulated images of wreckage. Some of those claims included reports of a destroyed F-35 Lightning II, though available imagery pointed instead to an F-15E based on identifiable markings.

The situation reflects a wider pattern of confusion and rapid escalation. Earlier in the campaign, an F-35 was reportedly damaged by enemy fire but managed to land safely. A separate friendly fire incident on March 1 led to three F-15E aircraft being shot down by a F/A-18 Hornet, with all crew members recovered.

These overlapping incidents highlight the density and complexity of the airspace now surrounding Iran and the Persian Gulf.