‘Ghost Murmur’: Here's how a classified futuristic tool no one knew existed brought an American pilot home from the Iranian desert. All you need to know.

'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war

U.S. President Donald Trump has praised the American military for carrying out what he called one of the “most daring” operations in U.S. history, after forces successfully rescued the missing crew of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle deep inside Iranian territory. The high-risk mission involved dozens of aircraft and heavily armed support, marking a dramatic moment in the ongoing US-Iran war.


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In a dramatic development in the ongoing US-Iran war, U.S. President Donald Trump praised American forces for carrying out what he called one of the “most daring” rescue operations in military history after the successful recovery of both crew members from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle inside Iran.


US Rescues Crew Member From Iran, Reports: US Fighter Jet Shot Down Came From RAF Base in the UK

The missing US airman, whose F-15E was shot down by Tehran inside the Iranian territory, was recovered by the American forces on Saturday (Apr 4). US President Donald Trump confirmed that the fighter pilot was rescued by the US military and was “safe and sound”. This comes after a US F-15E fighter jet was shot down in Iran, the first such incident since the start of the war. While the first pilot was rescued by the US forces earlier, the second had remained missing behind the enemy lines as American and Iranian forces raced to locate him. Reports suggested that the second crew member from the downed F-15E has been recovered after a “heavy firefight”.&nbsp;In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue. At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him.”Trump added that the pilot has sustained injuries, adding that “he will be just fine”. The US president confirmed that there were no American casualties in the operation.He said, “This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military on Saturday (Apr 4) rescued the F-15E fighter pilot after his plane went down in Iran. There were no US casualties in the operation, while Trump said that the pilot was injured.

The missing US airman, whose F-15E was shot down by Tehran inside the Iranian territory, was recovered by the American forces on Saturday (Apr 4). US President Donald Trump confirmed that the fighter pilot was rescued by the US military and was “safe and sound”. This comes after a US F-15E fighter jet was shot down in Iran, the first such incident since the start of the war. While the first pilot was rescued by the US forces earlier, the second had remained missing behind the enemy lines as American and Iranian forces raced to locate him. Reports suggested that the second crew member from the downed F-15E has been recovered after a “heavy firefight”. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue. At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him.” Trump added that the pilot has sustained injuries, adding that “he will be just fine”. The US president confirmed that there were no American casualties in the operation. He said, “This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military on Saturday (Apr 4) rescued the F-15E fighter pilot after his plane went down in Iran. There were no US casualties in the operation, while Trump said that the pilot was injured.

Missing US pilot rescued in Iran after F-15E shot down

The A-10 Thunderbolt II was developed specifically for close air support missions, providing direct assistance to ground forces.

Why the A-10 Warthog still matters and its role in modern warfare

The F-15E Strike Eagle uses two Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines. Generating a combined 58,000 pounds of thrust, this twin-engine design allows the fighter to reach Mach 2.5 speeds, carry heavy munitions, and survive combat damage.


‘Supersonic powerhouse’: How many engines does the F-15E Strike Eagle have?

Iranian and American forces are racing each other to locate a crew member of a US fighter jet that went down inside Iranian territory, the first such incident since the start of the war. This comes after Tehran said that it had shot down a US F-15 warplane. US media reports suggested that American special forces had rescued one of the two crew members, while the other was missing. So far, no information about the pilot has emerged as both nations continue to search.Another US A-10 ground attack aircraft crashed in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, following which US media reported that the pilot was rescued. Meanwhile, Tehran claimed that an American UH-60 Black Hawk was shot down near Iran border, releasing a video. This comes as the war in West Asia, which has been going on for over a month, continues to escalate.<h2>Iran announces reward on capture of pilot</h2>Iran has put a ‘valuable reward’ for anyone who can help capture the US F-15 crew member alive. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s central operational command said “an American hostile fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was struck and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force's advanced air defence system.”“The jet was completely obliterated, and further searches are ongoing,” he added.An Iranian television reporter on a local official channel said that anyone who captures the pilot would “receive a valuable reward”.<h2>US remains silent since pilot missing</h2>The Trump administration and US Central Command have remained silent since the American pilot went missing in Iran following the crash. Normally active on its social media, the CENTCOM has not posted any updates regarding the situation in Iran for nearly 20 hours at the time of publishing of this report.Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president has been briefed.” In an interview with NBC, Trump said that the F-15 loss would not affect negotiations with Iran, saying, “No, not at all. No, it’s war.”Apart from these remarks, the White House has largely kept the media in the dark since the reports of missing crew member. All press conferences have been cancelled raising speculations that the administration is preparing for a response that goes far beyond tactical.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran and US race to find a missing F-15 crew member after the jet was downed in Iran. One crew rescued, another missing, as Tehran offers a reward and Washington stays largely silent.

Iranian and American forces are racing each other to locate a crew member of a US fighter jet that went down inside Iranian territory, the first such incident since the start of the war. This comes after Tehran said that it had shot down a US F-15 warplane. US media reports suggested that American special forces had rescued one of the two crew members, while the other was missing. So far, no information about the pilot has emerged as both nations continue to search. Another US A-10 ground attack aircraft crashed in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, following which US media reported that the pilot was rescued. Meanwhile, Tehran claimed that an American UH-60 Black Hawk was shot down near Iran border, releasing a video. This comes as the war in West Asia, which has been going on for over a month, continues to escalate. Iran announces reward on capture of pilot Iran has put a ‘valuable reward’ for anyone who can help capture the US F-15 crew member alive. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s central operational command said “an American hostile fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was struck and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force's advanced air defence system.” “The jet was completely obliterated, and further searches are ongoing,” he added. An Iranian television reporter on a local official channel said that anyone who captures the pilot would “receive a valuable reward”. US remains silent since pilot missing The Trump administration and US Central Command have remained silent since the American pilot went missing in Iran following the crash. Normally active on its social media, the CENTCOM has not posted any updates regarding the situation in Iran for nearly 20 hours at the time of publishing of this report. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president has been briefed.” In an interview with NBC, Trump said that the F-15 loss would not affect negotiations with Iran, saying, “No, not at all. No, it’s war.” Apart from these remarks, the White House has largely kept the media in the dark since the reports of missing crew member. All press conferences have been cancelled raising speculations that the administration is preparing for a response that goes far beyond tactical. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran and US race to find a missing F-15 crew member after the jet was downed in Iran. One crew rescued, another missing, as Tehran offers a reward and Washington stays largely silent.

US chooses silence, Iran puts ‘valuable reward’: Enemies race to find the missing F-15 fighter pilot

US-Iran war: Tehran claims F-15, A-10, F-16 among US jets hit. Know all about these aircraft

The F-15E Strike Eagle uses a two-person crew a pilot and a Weapon Systems Officer. This divides the intense workload of flying at high speeds while managing complex ground-attack weapons, ensuring mission success in hostile airspace.

Why does the F-15E Strike Eagle have two pilots?

While both crew members rely on the ACES II ejection system, the rear seat automatically fires roughly 0.3 seconds before the front seat to prevent rocket blast injuries.

'Front or back': Which seat gives the pilot a better chance of survival in a crash in the F-15E Strike Eagle

From sequenced ACES II ejection seats to the advanced EPAWSS electronic shield, the F-15E's cockpit is specifically engineered to keep its dual crew safe in hostile skies.


'Cockpit design': How the F-15E Strike Eagle protects its pilots

The $31 million F-15E Strike Eagle boasts a massive service ceiling of 60,000 feet and a 50,000-foot-per-minute climb rate. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney engines, it dominates high-altitude combat.


'50,000 feet per minute': How high can the F‑15E Strike Eagle go?

The F-15E Strike Eagle carries a devastating 10,400-kg payload, including up to eight air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and 15 JDAMs. 


How many missiles can a F‑15E fighter jet carry?

The F-15E Strike Eagle serves as the primary tactical bomber for the US Air Force. The F-15E Strike Eagle historically cost $31.1 million, adjusting to over $65 million today. Costing $19,000 per flight hour, this Mach 2.5 jet carries a massive 10,400-kilogramme payload. 

How much does the US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle actually cost?

Reports of an F-15E Strike Eagle downed over Iran highlight the vulnerability of non-stealth jets against modern air defences. Despite the F-15 family's 104-0 aerial record, the $31 million ground-attack variant remains susceptible to SAM strikes.

Shattered in Iran?: The combat record of the US F‑15E fighter jet

Tehran claimed to have shot down a US F-15E fighter jet on Friday, after which the Iranian media announced rewards for civilians who capture the pilot alive and hand them over to authorities. Iranian state-run media reported that officials are offering a reward of 10 billion toman (approximately $60,000 USD) to any citizen who locates the downed American pilots. State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from the aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-carrying-iranian-crude-to-indian-port-in-gujarat-reroutes-to-china-1775226409514">Ship carrying Iranian crude to Indian port in Gujarat reroutes to China</a>&nbsp;The reward announcement comes as US officials, who believe the pilot may be alive, attempt to extract him from Iranian territory through an ongoing combat search and rescue operation. Iranian state media shared images online purportedly showing American aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones, flying over the area.&nbsp;“If a pilot or an enemy pilot is captured and handed over alive to the law enforcement or military forces, you will receive a significant reward and compensation. If you see an airplane or helicopter in the sky, make sure to target it,” the anchor of the channel in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province read out a message.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-states-seek-unsc-mandate-for-force-to-protect-hormuz-china-france-russia-may-veto-move-1775160810714">Gulf states seek UNSC mandate for force to protect Hormuz; China, France, Russia may veto move</a>&nbsp;The governor of the south-western Iranian province announced that anyone who captures or kills the American pilot, who is reported to have ejected during the crash, would be commended by the authorities.&nbsp;State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-pam-bondi-after-criticism-over-epstein-files-releases-1775150955840">Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism over Epstein files releases</a>&nbsp;The reward announcement comes as US officials, who believe the pilot may be alive, attempt to extract him from Iranian territory through an ongoing combat search and rescue operation. Iranian state media shared images online purportedly showing American aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones, flying over the area.Tehran-linked channels also aired visuals of metal debris loaded onto the back of a pickup truck, suggesting a possible crash site, which is a mountainous area located about 500 kilometres south-west of Tehran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-world-on-edge-of-wider-war-people-are-already-struggling-says-un-chief-antonio-guterres-1775149940522">‘World on edge of wider war, people are already struggling,’ says UN chief Antonio Guterres</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed a major military success, announcing on Friday that a second F-35 fighter jet had been shot down over central Iran by an advanced air defence system operated by its Aerospace Force. The IRGC alleged that the aircraft belonged to the US Air Force’s Lakenheath squadron.The IRGC further said the fighter jet was completely destroyed upon impact. The claim follows an earlier assertion by Iranian forces on March 19 that they had downed what they described as the first-ever F-35 in combat.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malda-sir-judicial-officers-hostage-case-mastermind-moffakkerul-islam-arrested-nia-takes-over-probe-1775219518033">Malda SIR judicial officers hostage mastermind Moffakkerul Islam arrested; NIA takes over probe</a>&nbsp;Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, also posted on X that crowds of civilians had driven out in private cars toward the crash site. “Many people in southwestern Iran have gone to the area around the crash site of the American fighter jet in private cars to capture the American pilot. The Iranian armed forces have called on the people NOT TO LET anyone mistreat the pilot,” it wrote.

State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war.

Tehran claimed to have shot down a US F-15E fighter jet on Friday, after which the Iranian media announced rewards for civilians who capture the pilot alive and hand them over to authorities. Iranian state-run media reported that officials are offering a reward of 10 billion toman (approximately $60,000 USD) to any citizen who locates the downed American pilots. State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from the aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war. Also Read: Ship carrying Iranian crude to Indian port in Gujarat reroutes to China The reward announcement comes as US officials, who believe the pilot may be alive, attempt to extract him from Iranian territory through an ongoing combat search and rescue operation. Iranian state media shared images online purportedly showing American aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones, flying over the area. “If a pilot or an enemy pilot is captured and handed over alive to the law enforcement or military forces, you will receive a significant reward and compensation. If you see an airplane or helicopter in the sky, make sure to target it,” the anchor of the channel in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province read out a message. Also Read: Gulf states seek UNSC mandate for force to protect Hormuz; China, France, Russia may veto move The governor of the south-western Iranian province announced that anyone who captures or kills the American pilot, who is reported to have ejected during the crash, would be commended by the authorities. State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war. Also Read: Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism over Epstein files releases The reward announcement comes as US officials, who believe the pilot may be alive, attempt to extract him from Iranian territory through an ongoing combat search and rescue operation. Iranian state media shared images online purportedly showing American aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and drones, flying over the area. Tehran-linked channels also aired visuals of metal debris loaded onto the back of a pickup truck, suggesting a possible crash site, which is a mountainous area located about 500 kilometres south-west of Tehran. Also Read: ‘World on edge of wider war, people are already struggling,’ says UN chief Antonio Guterres Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed a major military success, announcing on Friday that a second F-35 fighter jet had been shot down over central Iran by an advanced air defence system operated by its Aerospace Force. The IRGC alleged that the aircraft belonged to the US Air Force’s Lakenheath squadron. The IRGC further said the fighter jet was completely destroyed upon impact. The claim follows an earlier assertion by Iranian forces on March 19 that they had downed what they described as the first-ever F-35 in combat. Also Read: Malda SIR judicial officers hostage mastermind Moffakkerul Islam arrested; NIA takes over probe Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, also posted on X that crowds of civilians had driven out in private cars toward the crash site. “Many people in southwestern Iran have gone to the area around the crash site of the American fighter jet in private cars to capture the American pilot. The Iranian armed forces have called on the people NOT TO LET anyone mistreat the pilot,” it wrote.

State-affiliated Iranian channels have claimed that the US fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran after it was shot down, which is the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since the start of the war.

‘Capture US pilot alive, get reward,’ says Iranian media after Tehran claims it downed F-15E

The F-15E Strike Eagle uses the ACES II ejection seat to save pilots during catastrophic failures. Experiencing up to 20 Gs, crews are blasted clear of the jet in an automated sequence that deploys parachutes and GPS beacons in mere seconds.

How F-15E ejection seats save pilots in life-threatening situations

Carrying up to 23,000 pounds of munitions at speeds of Mach 2.5, the US F-15E Strike Eagle remains a highly reliable dual-role fighter after over three decades of service.


Why does the US consider the F-15E one of the most reliable strike fighters?