Early reports indicate that the pilot of a US F-15 fighter aircraft downed over Iran was rescued – which, if confirmed, would be the latest in the long history of US combat search-and-rescue missions over decades.
The search operation is ongoing deep inside Iran for a second crew member, according to CBS, the BBC’s US partner.
Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions are considered among the most complex, time-sensitive operations that US and allied militaries prepare for.
In the US, elite units of the air force are specially trained for CSAR missions and are often pre-emptively deployed near conflict areas where aircraft could be lost.
What is Combat Search and Rescue?
Put simply, CSAR missions are military operations aimed at finding, aiding and potentially rescuing personnel in need, including downed pilots and isolated troops.
In contrast to conventional search-and-rescue efforts – which could take place during humanitarian operations or after disasters – CSAR missions occur in hostile or contested environments.
In some cases – as in Friday’s reported recovery effort in Iran – the operations may happen deep in enemy territory.
