CNN: Downed US F-15 pilot describes unusual drone formation over Iran

A US fighter jet pilot who was later rescued by special forces after being shot down over Iran in April reported seeing multiple Iranian drones in the air before ejecting, according to four sources familiar with the matter cited by CNN.

The account, which has not been previously reported, was provided by the F-15 pilot during a post-incident debriefing with intelligence officials. It has since sparked internal debate within the US intelligence community, which remains unresolved, the sources said.

According to individuals familiar with the briefing, the pilot described seeing multiple drones operating in a coordinated formation that appeared to move as a single unit. One source characterised the description as “Multiple drones interconnected and moving as one with smaller drones below the bigger drones like legs,” adding: “Real alien sh*t.”

Another source said the pilot described what he saw as a “minefield of drones” in the air.

If confirmed, the reported formation could indicate a significant development in Iranian drone capabilities. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the downing of the F-15 remain under investigation. Early assessments cited by sources suggested the drone activity may have played a role in enabling Iranian forces to target the aircraft.

The F-15 carried a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a weapons systems officer. US forces launched immediate search and rescue operations following the incident.

The pilot was rescued hours after ejecting from the aircraft, while the weapons systems officer evaded capture in mountainous terrain for more than a day before also being recovered. It remains unclear whether the second crew member observed the reported drone formation.

Separately, a second aircraft, an A-10, was also downed during the rescue operation. The pilot of that aircraft successfully ejected outside Iranian airspace, according to reports.

By Sabina Mammadli