To rescue an F-15 pilot trapped in Iran, the U.S. military actually utilized a disused agricultural runway.
The pilot was hiding in mountainous terrain at 32°18'01.59" N latitude and 51°57'15.87" E longitude. The C-130J Super Hercules and MH-6 Little Bird helicopters landed simultaneously, picked up the pilot concealed in the mountains, then returned to the runway.
Using the abandoned agricultural runway was likely based on the pilot’s report after observing the terrain from hiding—a survival instinct drove him to find a space large enough for aircraft to land before he could conceal himself.
In American terms, the value of a living pilot exceeds the total cost of all aircraft.
To rescue a weapons operator alone, just the aircraft involved amounted to $386 million:
• The destroyed F-15E "Strike Eagle" fighter jet: $100 million;
• The destroyed A-10 "Thunderbolt II" attack aircraft: $18.8 million;
• Two destroyed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft: total loss exceeding $150 million to $200 million;
• The destroyed MH-6 "Little Bird" helicopter: $7.5 million loss;
• Destruction of 1–2 MQ-9 "Reaper" drones: $30 million to $60 million in losses.
The spokesperson for Iran's Central Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbia stated: After this glorious and victorious operation, the defeated U.S. President is attempting to create chaos and lies through psychological warfare to evade the blow of defeat, as usual continuing his senseless rhetoric and exaggerations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861626526186504/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.