Iran may have used Chinese-made missile to down US fighter jet, sources say

A US military fighter jet shot down over southwestern Iran in April was likely targeted using a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, according to reports received by NBC News from three sources.

According to a US official and an individual with knowledge about the specific matter, China may also have provided Iran with an early-warning radar capable of spotting stealth aircraft that are meant to evade detection.

US officials are still determining the circumstances surrounding the shootdown of the American F-15E Strike Eagle in April. At present, it remains unclear when the military equipment was transferred.

While Iran’s use of weapons made in China entangles America’s relationship with Beijing at a time when Trump sought China’s help in halting the conflict. Meanwhile, peace talks are currently in progress to end the war, even as the US continues to launch counterstrikes.

The Trump administration negotiated a truce with Iran ahead of a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping earlier this month. As a primary customer for Iran’s oil exports, China has made it clear that the war must be ended.

“We are not immune to global oil prices at some point, because we do buy from the global market, but other countries around the world are paying a much higher price,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News during the China trip. “They’ve got to get involved in this as well.”

Asked about the shootdown of the F-15, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said in a statement: “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.”

Reports circulated last week that US intelligence suggests China was positioning the military hardware for strategic use.

Notably, US officials may have breached intelligence in a possible bid to reveal China’s plans, according to former national security officials. It has been observed that the Trump administration denounced China for allowing Iran access to Chinese satellites to provide assistance to Tehran target US forces in the region.

Experts from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute stated that UN arms trade prohibition was introduced in 2006, China stepped back from major weapon sales. 

Instead, Beijing provided Iran with dual-use components and technology that have both civilian and military uses.

Craig Singleton, a former diplomat and senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) said that Beijing has helped Iran build up its monitoring grid and sustain its military by providing technology and strategic goods.