F-15E Shot Down Over Iran Likely Hit by Chinese MANPADS — NBC

The F-15 fighter jet shot down in April over southwestern Iran was likely hit by a missile from a Chinese-made man-portable air defense system.

NBC News reported this, citing its own sources.

According to a US official and several informed sources, China may also have transferred a long-range radar capable of detecting low-observability aircraft to Iran at the start of the conflict.

US experts are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the loss of the F-15E Strike Eagle. The exact timing of any potential transfer of military equipment to Iran remains unclear.

Tehran’s use of Chinese-made weapons could complicate relations between Washington and Beijing as US President Donald Trump seeks to involve China in mediation efforts to end the war.

On May 14, it was reported that Chinese defense companies were negotiating with Iran on covert arms supplies via third countries. There is no confirmation that such agreements have been finalized or implemented.

Among US officials familiar with intelligence data, there is also no consensus on whether such weapons were actually transferred from China to intermediaries.

Last month, CNN reported the alleged transfer of Chinese man-portable air defense systems to Iran.

In addition, in February, it was reported that Iran had signed a $589 million contract with Russia to purchase thousands of modern Verba man-portable air defense systems.

Under the agreement, deliveries are to be made in three tranches in 2027–2029.

The contract was concluded between Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and the Moscow office of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).