Col. Sam Trautman (Richard Crenna) travels to Thailand, hoping to convince veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) to accompany him on a training mission in Afghanistan. When Rambo refuses, Trautman decides to go alone -- but, while trying to help the mujahideen, Trautman is captured by a ruthless Russian colonel (Marc de Jonge) who submits him to torture. Hearing the news, Rambo volunteers for a top secret undercover mission to rescue his longtime friend.