# @thevigilantheroes on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsizmLlPGP
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66793429-thevigilantheroes-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d8a1b91e53.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-04T04:16:05.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Vigilant Heroes (@thevigilantheroes) — https://gondola.cc/thevigilantheroes

## Caption

An Air Force A-10 Warthog was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz this afternoon (Fri, Apr 3) while supporting the combat search-and-rescue mission for the crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle that was likely shot down over Iran earlier the same day, according to multiple media outlets. The pilot successfully ejected over the Persian Gulf and was later rescued.
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The incident took place as joint forces scrambled to recover the two-person crew of the downed F-15E. One crew member has already been rescued—but the search for the second pilot is continuing (into Friday evening). 
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It’s not clear what brought the A-10 down—Iranian state media claimed its air defenses targeted the A-10...and images circulated by Iranian outlets allegedly show aircraft wreckage and an ejection seat, though it’s unconfirmed whether the debris belonged to the A-10 or the earlier downed F-15E.
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Also of note: a helo involved in the rescue op was also struck by small-arms fire....injuring an unknown number of the crew, but the aircraft did manage to land safely. No other details are available on that incident at this time. 
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The loss of the F-15E marks the first U.S. manned aircraft destroyed—by enemy fire—in Operation Epic Fury. Previously, (1 March) 3 F-15Es were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait in a friendly fire incident—all crew members survived and reportedly returned to flying status.
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That’s all the info we have at the moment—we’ll keep you updated: thevigilantheroes
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#futurewar #A10 #Iran #Military #aviation

## Stats

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## Tags

a10, military, futurewar, aviation, iran

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