Chinese military technology is believed to have played a role in supporting Iran during its recent war against the United States.
According to U.S. officials and sources familiar with intelligence assessments, a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle shot down in April over southwest Iran likely was hit by a Chinese-made man-portable surface-to-air missile.
The American investigation is still ongoing, but sources cited by NBC believe that a Chinese portable air defense system is the most likely hypothesis.
The two crew members of the aircraft managed to eject. The pilot was rescued a few hours later, while the weapons systems officer escaped capture in the Zagros Mountains before being recovered two days later.
NBC also reports that Iran may have received a long-range YLC-8B radar from China, capable of detecting stealth aircraft. Such a system could have improved Tehran’s ability to spot advanced American or Israeli aircraft.
However, the American authorities have not publicly confirmed whether this radar was operational during the conflict.
If this information is confirmed, it would be the first time in decades that an American fighter plane has been shot down by enemy fire. The affair also raises new questions about the extent of Chinese support for Iran.
Washington had already sanctioned three Chinese satellite companies this month, accused of having provided Tehran with images and data used to target American forces in the Middle East. Beijing rejects these accusations and claims to respect its international obligations in terms of military exports.
American officials cited by NBC, however, believe that Chinese aid would not have had a decisive impact on the battlefield.
