US fighter jet downed over Iran may have been struck by Chinese missile

A US fighter jet brought down over Iran during the Iran conflict may have reportedly been hit by a Chinese-made missile. It was the first time in decades that a US fighter jet was shot down by enemy fire. The F-15E carried a two-person crew.

The pilot was rescued within seven hours of ejecting, as per the Pentagon. The weapons systems officer, however, remained hidden in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains for nearly two days before rescue teams located him. The successful extraction prevented what could have become a major victory for Iran.

According to NBC News, the F-15E Strike Eagle was struck by a shoulder-launched missile while flying over southwestern Iran in April. US officials are still examining the exact circumstances surrounding the shootdown, but sources told NBC News that evidence points to a Chinese-made weapon.

THE CHINA ANGLE OF THE WAR

The report alleged that China may have supplied Iran with a long-range radar system capable of detecting stealth aircraft. One source familiar with the matter and a US official told NBC News that Iran may have received a YLC-8B early-warning radar, which was designed to identify aircraft that normally avoid detection.

However, it is unclear when the radar or missile systems were delivered to Iran. Officials have not determined whether the equipment arrived recently or was drawn from older Iranian stockpiles.

The possibility that Chinese-made equipment played a big role in the conflict comes at a sensitive time for Washington and Beijing. US President Donald Trump has sought China's support in efforts to end the war, even as the US continues its military operations in the region.

China is Iran's largest customer for oil exports and has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict. The Trump administration helped secure a ceasefire before high stakes meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month.

Trump had previously stated that the aircraft was brought down by a shoulder-fired missile. Such weapons, commonly known as Manpads, are relatively inexpensive but highly effective against low-flying aircraft.

China strongly rejected allegations that it had violated export rules.

"China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China's laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations. China opposes groundless smear and ill-intentioned association," a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said.

HOW FAR DID CHINESE TECHNOLOGY GO?

The fresh claims surface amid scrutiny of Beijing's ties with Tehran. Earlier this month, the Trump administration accused China of allowing Iran access to satellite imagery that could help target US forces in the region. The US State Department imposed sanctions on three Chinese satellite companies, alleging they supplied imagery and data used by Iran during military operations. China denied those accusations.

China was once one of Iran's largest arms suppliers. During the 1980s and 1990s, Beijing sold Tehran missiles, tanks, artillery systems and fighter aircraft.

However, after a UN arms embargo was imposed on Iran in 2006, China scaled back major weapons sales. Experts say Beijing instead focused on providing technology, components and dual-use products that could serve both civilian and military purposes.

Meanwhile, Iran poured money into its homegrown weapons industry, building more of its own missiles, drones and military equipment instead of relying heavily on foreign suppliers.

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