What do we know about the F-15 and A-10 after they were shot down in Iran? | News

Iran shot down two US Air Force fighter jets on Friday, in two separate incidents, one an F-15 fighter and the other an A-10 Warthog.

The loss of air fighters in modern wars is a strategic drain that goes beyond the field military dimension and touches the depth of war operations, as the cost of replacing aircraft and their advanced systems puts enormous pressure on defense budgets and the reputation of weapons as well.

As the intensity of the air confrontations escalates, questions arise about the heavy bill borne by the Pentagon’s budget for the loss of fighters that represent a symbol of American air sovereignty, which makes the recent downing operations a painful blow to the American forces.

How much does the F-15 cost?

The cost of the F-15E Strike Eagle is more than $31 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing data issued by the US Air Force.

The newspaper pointed out that this price is calculated at fixed prices for the year 1998, which means that its value will be higher at current prices.

The newspaper explained that the F-15E Strike Eagle was introduced in the 1980s and was designed to carry out air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

The Wall Street Journal added that the cost of the newest models of F-15 aircraft is approximately $100 million, and they can fly at a speed of more than 3,000 kilometers per hour and a distance of approximately 4,000 kilometers.

The cost of the attack aircraft “A-10”

The other downed aircraft, the A-10 attack aircraft, known as the Warthog, cost $9.8 million in constant 1998 prices, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper added that the Warthog plane is the first US Air Force plane designed specifically for close air support, and is capable of hitting tanks, armored vehicles, and light naval targets.

She added that the Warthog is characterized by a high ability to maneuver at low speeds and low altitudes, and it can operate from short or bumpy runways, and it also performs its tasks efficiently in conditions of poor visibility and bad weather.

She noted that the fighter is equipped with precision-guided and unguided munitions, and can also carry out night missions using night vision goggles. Its maximum speed is 675.92 kilometers per hour, while its range is about 1,287 kilometers.

An American official told The Hill newspaper that American forces rescued one of the F-15 crew members, while the fate of the second crew member remains unknown until now.

The War Department informed the House Armed Services Committee that the status of the second soldier was unknown, a congressional aide told The Hill, while the New York Times reported that the Iranian army was also searching for the missing American soldier.

The Pentagon is counting losses

Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, a total of 365 American soldiers have been injured, according to new figures published by the Pentagon.

Of these, 247 were from the Ground Forces, 63 from the Navy, 19 from the Marines, and 36 from the Air Force. According to the Pentagon, the number of American soldiers killed in the war is still 13.

CNN quoted a Pentagon official as saying that more than 75% of injuries among the US military are related to traumatic brain injuries, which is a type of injury resulting from an external force on the head. Its symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, and its severity varies depending on the strength of the injury.