23/06/2026
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23/06/2026
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WASHINGTON, Jun 23: A US F-15 pilot rescued after being shot down over Iran in April reported seeing an unusual formation of Iranian drones before ejecting, CNN reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the pilot told intelligence officials during a post-mission debrief that several drones appeared to be moving together in a formation resembling a “jellyfish.” The account has reportedly sparked debate within the US intelligence community over Iran’s drone capabilities and the reliability of the sighting.
One source familiar with the pilot’s account described the formation as “multiple drones interconnected and moving as one,” with smaller drones beneath larger ones “like legs,” CNN reported. Another source described what the pilot saw as a “minefield of drones” in the sky.
Investigators are still examining what caused the F-15 to be downed. Early assessments suggested the drone formation may have played a role in Iran’s ability to shoot down the aircraft, according to the report.
The incident marked the first US aircraft shot down over Iran during the conflict. The pilot was recovered within hours, while the aircraft’s weapons systems officer evaded capture for more than a day before being rescued.
CNN said US intelligence officials have disagreed over the pilot’s account, with some questioning its accuracy during the debrief.
The report comes as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations aimed at ending the war, following the start of a 60-day ceasefire-based talks period last week.
