Chinese-made missile may have downed US F-15 over Iran

The reported involvement of Chinese-made military equipment introduces an additional factor into relations between Washington and Beijing.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A Chinese-produced shoulder-launched missile may have been responsible for the downing of a US F-15 fighter over southwestern Iran last month, according to three people with knowledge of the matter who spoke to NBC News.

The incident marked the first time in decades a US aircraft was brought down by enemy fire and triggered what was described as a hazardous mission to recover the pilot after the aircraft crashed.

President Donald Trump said at the time that the F-15 had been hit by a shoulder-fired missile.

The weapons, commonly known as “man-portable air defense weapons,” or “Manpads,” are about 7 feet long and weigh roughly 40 pounds.

They are widely regarded as a relatively inexpensive means of targeting low-flying aircraft.

According to NBC News, information reviewed by people familiar with the matter suggests the missile involved may have been manufactured in China.

The report also said China may have supplied Iran with a long-range early-warning radar system capable of detecting stealth aircraft designed to avoid radar tracking.

One of the people familiar with the matter and a US official with knowledge of the issue said that the radar system may have been provided to Iran by China.

The aircraft was shot down during last month’s conflict, leading to the pilot recovery operation.

Details regarding the missile’s origin and the possible transfer of radar technology have emerged as US officials continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft.

The reported involvement of Chinese-made military equipment introduces an additional factor into relations between Washington and Beijing.

The issue comes as Trump has sought China’s assistance in efforts to bring the conflict to an end.