CNN: Iranian Su-24MK Bombers Nearly Reached US Air Base in Qatar Before Being Shot Down

Iranian Su-24MK bombers nearly reached the largest US military base in the Middle East before being shot down.

CNN, citing its sources, reports that the incident happened on March 2 near Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where approximately 10,000 US service members are typically deployed.

According to one source, the Iranian aircraft were “two minutes” away from their target.

A second source said the Su-24MK bombers were visually identified and photographed carrying bombs and guided munitions.

Qatari military forces issued a radio warning but received no response from the aircraft, which had switched to very low-altitude flight to avoid radar detection, the second source said.

Due to “time constraints” and “based on the available evidence,” the Iranian aircraft were classified as hostile, the second source added.

Qatar deployed an F-15 fighter jet to intercept them, which engaged the Su-24MKs in an air battle before shooting them down, the second source added.

The downed Iranian bombers crashed into Qatar’s territorial waters.

Al Udeid Air Base is located near the coast of the Persian Gulf, about 30 km southwest of Qatar’s capital. In addition to the United States, the base is also used by the air forces of Qatar and the United Kingdom.

Iran’s attempted use of its Su-24MK aircraft to strike the air base in Qatar marks the first time piloted aircraft have been used to attack a neighboring country since the start of the joint US and Israeli military operation against Iran’s ruling regime.

As of 2025, the Iranian Air Force had about 29 Su-24 aircraft in service, though some were likely not airworthy.