Iran May Have Used Chinese Missile to Down US F-15, Sources Say

The Story

An F-15 fighter shot down over southwestern Iran last month was probably struck by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, three people with knowledge of the matter told NBC News. China may have also provided Iran with a long-range early-warning radar that spots stealth aircraft, according to one source and a U.S. official. U.S. officials are still investigating the shootdown of the F-15E Strike Eagle in April, which was the first time in decades a U.S. fighter was downed by enemy fire. The timeline of the equipment transfer is unclear, but Iran’s use of Chinese weapons complicates U.S.-China relations at a time when President Donald Trump has sought China’s help in ending the conflict. The two-man crew ejected safely; the pilot was rescued within seven hours, and the weapons systems officer was located and rescued after two days in the Zagros Mountains. The White House referred to Trump’s statement that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not send weapons to Iran. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson denied the allegations, calling them groundless smear, while a U.S. official said China’s support has not had a decisive operational impact.

Key Facts

• The F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over southwestern Iran in April.
• Three sources said the jet was likely struck by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile.
• China may have provided a YLC-8B long-range early-warning radar that spots stealth aircraft.
• The shootdown was the first time in decades a U.S. fighter was downed by enemy fire.
• The two-man crew ejected; the pilot was rescued within seven hours, the weapons systems officer after two days.
• President Trump said President Xi assured him China would not provide military equipment to Iran.
• The Chinese Embassy stated that China acts prudently on military exports and opposes groundless smear.
• A U.S. official said Chinese support has not had a significant operational impact.

Conflicting Reports

The source article contains conflicting accounts. President Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not provide military equipment to Iran. However, sources told NBC News that the missile that likely downed the F-15 was Chinese-made. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson denied the allegations, calling them groundless smear.

Still Unclear

It is not clear when the military equipment was handed over to Iran. It is also unclear whether the shoulder-launched missile was delivered recently or taken from older stockpiles, and whether the radar was fielded during the war.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Craig Singleton (senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies), Chinese Embassy spokesperson (unnamed)

Sources: NBC News