Experts Question Hegseth Claim That Downed Pilot Sent Religious CSEL Message

Hardware analysts cite technical limitations of the standard survivor radio, challenging the defense secretary's narrative of a miraculous rescue in Iran.

Capt. Domenick Stumpo, a 480th Fighter Squadron pilot, configures a CSEL radio during training in Spangdahlem, Germany, Aug. 22, 2024. The device facilitates navigation and secure rescue communicatio…