Iran has claimed that its forces successfully shot down a US A-10 ground-attack aircraft, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The country also released a video that it says captures the exact moment the American warplane was hit by a missile launched from Iran's integrated air defence system.
The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai shared the footage on X, stating, "Footage of the exact moment an American A-10 warplane is struck by an air-defence missile fired by the Iranian Army's integrated air-defence system."
Aircraft Reportedly Crashed After Entering Kuwaiti Airspace
As per media reports, the A-10 was struck and later went down after entering Kuwaiti airspace, where the pilot managed to eject safely. NBC News confirmed that the pilot survived the incident, although the aircraft was lost in Kuwait.
Iran Claims Strikes on US F-15 and Helicopters
Earlier on Friday, a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that Iranian air defences had also destroyed a US F-15 fighter jet.
Military sources note that the A-10C Thunderbolt II is designed for close air support missions. It is known for operating at low speeds and altitudes, delivering precise strikes, and remaining over combat zones for extended periods even in difficult conditions.
Iran has also reportedly targeted two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters that were engaged in search and rescue operations. The strikes led to minor injuries among US personnel, though all service members are reported to be safe.
Multiple Aircraft Allegedly Downed in a Single Day
Overall, Iran claims it brought down two US aircraft, the F-15 and the A-10, and struck two helicopters within a 24-hour period. These claims came less than 48 hours after US President Donald Trump stated that Iran had been "completely decimated."
One Pilot Rescued After US F-15 Incident
In a separate development, one of the two crew members from a downed US F-15E aircraft was rescued by American military helicopters, US officials told CBS News. The search operation for the second crew member, a weapons systems officer, is still underway.
During the rescue mission, the helicopter carrying the recovered pilot reportedly came under small-arms fire, resulting in injuries to some personnel on board. Despite the attack, the aircraft landed safely, and the injured service members are receiving medical treatment before being transferred for further care.