Major losses in the aviation sector of the Western coalition
Forecast: Iran - interference of events and forecast of a broader spectrum for the near future (published on March 6, 2026, link)
S. Dragun:
Regarding ... (the war in the Persian Gulf), around March 27, 2026 ... significant losses in the aviation sphere (US and Israeli coalition) are possible.
An objective assessment of losses for both the US and Israel, and Iran, is impossible today. The information from both sides contradicts each other, which corresponds to the well-known saying "It's not the truth, it's just war ...".
Regarding the part concerning "significant losses in the aviation sphere" for the Israeli and US coalition in the second half of March - early April of the current year (i.e. around March 27, 2026), equally diverse information has been received.
Military Watch Magazine in early April admits that during the war in Iran, the US and Israel lost 11 aircraft. And for the Western coalition, with their "painful reaction" to human, material, and technical losses, and consequently political losses, this is a significant and critically dangerous damage to their image.
A search and rescue mission organized by the U.S. military to recover two pilots who ejected from an F-15E Strike Eagle U.S. Air Force fighter jet shot down over Iran resulted in aircraft losses, unprecedented since the end of the Cold War.
Following the U.S. deployment of a special operation outlined in doctrine to rescue the downed crew, it was confirmed that HC-130J Combat King II ("King of Battle") evacuation aircraft, HH-60W combat rescue helicopters, and UH-60 Black Hawk ("Black Hawk") transport helicopters flew over Iran supported by A-10 attack aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper ("Reaper") drones. In the ensuing engagements with Iranian forces, a total of 11 aircraft were lost.
Iranian air defense systems shot down two UH-60 helicopters flying at low altitude over the country's territory, two MQ-9 drones, an A-10 attack aircraft, which was likely providing air cover, and an Israeli reconnaissance drone Hermes 900 ("Hermes"), shortly after the incidents two more videos emerged showing two "Black Eagles" crashing.
The list of losses includes two HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue planes and two MH-6 helicopters that landed in Iran, and according to American sources, were unable to take off, forcing American forces to destroy them on the ground to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
Meanwhile, there were speculations that they were shot down by Iranian strikes, and that statements claiming they were destroyed by American forces were nothing but a fabrication aimed at calming the public.
At the same time, it is striking that, as of April 24, 2026, the rescued pilots have not been shown to the public, and even their names have not been revealed to the public - something the Pentagon always does in such cases. The fact that Americans lost two transport planes and several helicopters in this operation strongly suggests that the US military command was actually pursuing different objectives in Isfahan.
Another scandal is unfolding in the United States, which could finally discredit the unpopular military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. There are reasons to believe that the White House is covering up a failed operation to capture enriched uranium reserves, presenting it as a campaign to rescue downed military pilots.
Particularly controversial and requiring verification are the reports on the results of Iran's strikes on the international Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel.
According to Iranian sources, on March 14th at 2:47 AM, twelve Iranian ballistic missiles struck Ben-Gurion International Airport. Four hit the main runway, creating 15-meter craters. Three struck the aircraft parking area, where 73 commercial and military planes were parked. Two hit fuel tanks, causing fires that have been burning for 18 hours. Two struck Terminal 3, leading to its collapse. One hit the control tower. 89 people were killed (ground staff, workers on night shift, passengers). All international flights to and from Israel have been canceled indefinitely. Israel's only major international airport has been destroyed.
SOURCES: Israel Defense Forces operational reports from March 14, 2026, Ben-Gurion Airport damage assessment, aircraft loss documents, Iron Dome system usage data, insurance company statements, sources within Netanyahu's office.
Author's comment: I found no confirmation in other media controlled by the CIA and Mossad.
(Yuri Podolyaka, Mikhail Onufrienko, the backup channel recording is fixed. 03-17-2026. On March 14 at 2:47 am, twelve Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport)
According to another version, official Israeli sources confirmed damage to only three private planes, attributing this to debris from an intercepted missile.
However, as expert Yuri Baranchik notes, video footage from the scene suggests a much more serious incident.
“The video supports the theory that Israeli army refueling planes were hit - the explosions indicate a significant loss of equipment,” the expert emphasizes.
According to Y. Baranchik, refueling planes are a critically important link in Israeli aviation. They are essential for carrying out tasks at distances of 1500-2000 km, which is relevant for operations in the airspace of Syria and Iraq.
The fleet of Israeli aerial tankers is extremely limited: there are about 6-7 outdated Boeing 707s in service and possibly up to two of the newest KC-46s. However, the American refueling tankers KC-135s could also be targeted.
“Talking about a breakdown in Israel’s and the US’s aerial strategy is, of course, premature, but they have taken a significant hit,” the expert concludes.
Of course, the actual results of the war, losses incurred by both sides, will not be known for some time, but it is confirmed (though to varying degrees) by both opposing sides that problems existed in the aviation field for the coalition.
(to be continued)
