American Pilots Are Sometimes Shot Down. Here’s What Happens Next.

Share this link on Facebook

Share this page on X (Twitter)

Share this link on LinkedIn

Share this page on Reddit

Email a link to this page

The United States has a longstanding practice of never leaving an airman behind—a principle on vivid display during the extensive rescue mission this weekend.

The shoot-down of a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Warthog last week during Operation Epic Fury raised awareness for what is one of the most dangerous scenarios in air warfare. While often fatal, being shot down is survivable should several things break right for the pilot—including ejection, evasion, and rescue. Both recent incidents were resolved with successful rescues, highlighting both the brutality of air combat and the sophistication of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. Nor is this the first time American pilots have suffered such an incident.

American Pilots Have Been Shot Down Before

The Vietnam War was rife with examples of US planes being shot down in enemy territory. In many cases, the pilots were deep inside North Vietnam, making their capture or death on the ground a foregone conclusion. The “fortunate” among these men were slated........

© The National Interest