US Media Claims American F-15 Fighter Jet Was Downed by Chinese-Made Missile During Iran Conflict

Washington: A report by American broadcaster NBC News has claimed that a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft shot down in southwestern Iran in April was likely hit by a Chinese-made man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS).

According to the report, three sources familiar with the matter said U.S. officials are continuing to investigate the incident and have not yet reached a final conclusion regarding the exact circumstances of the aircraft’s loss.

The report suggests that preliminary assessments indicate the fighter jet may have been struck by a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile of Chinese origin, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The aircraft involved was identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle, a combat aircraft widely used by the United States military for air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and denying any involvement related to the reported missile system.

U.S. officials have yet to release a final public assessment, and the findings remain subject to further investigation.