Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile reportedly shot down F-15 during Iran war

Source Domain: www.jpost.com

China’s military technology may have played a role in supporting Iran during its recent conflict with the US, according to an NBC News report citing US officials and sources familiar with intelligence assessments.

According to NBC News, US investigators believe an American F-15E Strike Eagle jet that was shot down over southwestern Iran in April was likely hit by a Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile.

Although US officials were still investigating the incident, sources familiar with the probe told NBC that a Chinese-made man-portable air defense system was the most likely weapon used in the incident.

Both of the aircraft’s crew members had ejected safely. The pilot was rescued within hours, while the weapons-systems officer evaded capture in Iran’s Zagros Mountains before being recovered two days later, according to Pentagon accounts cited by NBC.

The Iranian state media said to show fragments of a downed US jet in this picture alleged to be taken in central Iran and released on April 3, 2026. (credit: IRIB/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Beijing may have also provided Tehran with a long-range radar system

Further, NBC reported that Iran may have received a Chinese YLC-8B long-range radar system capable of detecting stealth aircraft, potentially improving Tehran’s ability to track advanced American and Israeli systems.

US officials have not publicly confirmed whether the radar was operational during the conflict.

If confirmed, the incident would mark the first time in decades that a US fighter aircraft was downed by enemy fire, while also raising new questions about the extent of Beijing’s support for Tehran during the conflict.

By and by, broader US concerns regarding Chinese support for Iran have existed for some time. Earlier this month, Washington sanctioned three Chinese satellite companies, alleging they provided imagery and data that helped Tehran target US forces in the Middle East.

Beijing denied the accusations.

Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Washington rejected…

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