Ryan Bodenheimer, a former US F-15E combat pilot, outlined the complex tactical challenges faced by US fighter aircraft in Iran, particularly after the downing of an F-15E during the ongoing conflict. He stated that despite the US maintaining air superiority, threats from Iran's concealed and mobile surface-to-air missile systems remain significant. Bodenheimer explained that the F-15E, designed for air-to-ground operations, is vulnerable under certain conditions, especially when Iranian forces employ tactics that limit the effectiveness of electronic countermeasures. He noted that while US aircraft have successfully conducted thousands of sorties, the risk of losses increases with repeated exposure to hostile environments. The recent incident marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran in this conflict, and while one crew member has been rescued and is receiving medical treatment, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain.