Missing pilot

Netanyahu congratulates Trump for rescue of F-15 pilot who was shot down in Iran

"Congratulations, President Trump. All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America's dauntless warriors,” Netanyahu said.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, March 19, 2026.
A USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle lands at RAF Lakenheath on July 22, 2025 in Lakenheath, United Kingdom.

US successfully rescues second airman deep behind enemy lines in Iran, Trump confirms

In a report by Axios, US officials confirmed that a specialized commando unit, accompanied by heavy air support, successfully conducted a rescue operation in Iran.

|BySHOSHANA BAKER, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
US Air Force crew work on a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules before take-off from RAF Fairford on March 18, 2026 in Fairford, England.

Behind enemy lines: How US Air Force's well-oiled rescue machine operates

Since Vietnam, the US has successfully rescued thousands of downed aircrew members in hostile territory, including in Iraq and Bosnia, thanks to special helicopter models and pilot survival kits.

|ByUDI ETZION
An A-10 Thunderbolt II is displayed at Al-Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025 in Dubai on November 20, 2025.

Second US fighter jet downed in Persian Gulf, pilot rescued after ejection

US media reported that the sole pilot on board was safely rescued, with Tehran claiming the shootdown of the A-10 as the second successful strike on a US aircraft within 24 hours.

|ByELI LEON, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Hezbollah claims it foiled additional IDF attempt to land in Lebanon, search for Ron Arad

According to Hezbollah's statement, 15 helicopters arrived from the direction of the Syrian border and attempted to land near the village.

MARCH 9, 2026ByGUY ALSTER, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Friends of Israel Air Force navigator Ron Arad who has been missing since October 1986 march in his memory in Tel Aviv, on October 18, 2024.

New Zealand pilot taken hostage in Indonesia - Papuan rebel group

The pilot had been identified as Captain Philip Merthens and it is unclear if the five passengers had also been abducted by Papuan separatists.

FEBRUARY 7, 2023ByREUTERS
An illustrative image of a Susi Air aircraft.

Hiker finds helmet of fallen IDF pilot Danny Gori – 36 years later

In response to the discovery, Gori's daughter Dana, who was born only two months after the crash, was ecstatic upon hearing the news.

FEBRUARY 18, 2020ByMAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
IAF soldier inspect helmet of missing pilot Danny Gori.