BBC:
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.
CSAR missions are often conducted by helicopters, with refuelling aircraft in support and other military aircraft on hand to conduct strikes and patrol the area.
A former commander of a pararescue jumpers squadron told CBS News that a rescue operation like the reported one in Iran would involve at least 24 pararescue jumpers scouring the area in Black Hawk helicopters.
They added the team would be prepared to jump from planes if needed, and once on the ground their priority would be to contact the missing crew member.
Upon locating them, the pararescue jumpers would deliver medical aid if necessary, evade the enemy and get to a place where they can be rescued, according to CBS News.
“Harrowing and massively dangerous is an understatement,” the former commander told CBS News.
They added: “This is what they train to do, all over the world. They are known as the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force.”
Verified video that emerged from Iran on Friday appeared to show US military helicopters and at least one refuelling aircraft operating over Iran’s Khuzestan province.
