The incident of the U.S. military F-15E aircraft being shot down has triggered various speculations, and China responded by stating that the reports are entirely fabricated.

Is it finally starting to show its strength? The U.S. military suspects that an F-15 fighter jet was shot down by a missile produced by China!

NBC, reporting on May 29, stated that according to three informed sources, the F-15E was very likely hit by a shoulder-fired missile manufactured in China. The sources also claimed that during the early stages of the conflict, China may have provided Iran with the YLC-8B long-range early warning radar, capable of detecting stealth aircraft.

In fact, China had previously responded. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States stated that China opposes baseless slander. At a subsequent press conference, China reiterated that the reports were entirely fabricated.

Just days before the F-15E was shot down, high-level U.S. officials had publicly declared that Iran's air defense system "had been essentially dismantled," and that B-52 strategic bombers could freely carry out missions over Iran. Before their words even faded, one F-15E came crashing down.

The F-15E is small in size, fast, and highly maneuverable—typically considered to have strong survivability. Its being shot down in Iran suggests a major flaw in the U.S. military’s assessment that “air superiority has been firmly secured.” If even the F-15E can’t fly safely, the risks facing slower aircraft such as refueling tankers, early warning planes, and helicopters are self-evident.

The significant improvement in Iran’s air defense capabilities is the most puzzling aspect of this incident. Where exactly did it come from? Was it foreign technological support, or did Iran itself adjust its air defense tactics? This is precisely why the U.S. military is so determined to trace the missile’s origin.

NBC cited “three informed sources.” These individuals remain anonymous and unnamed, and the report provides no concrete evidence. But what truly matters isn’t whether the missile was actually made in China—it’s that a U.S. frontline fighter jet, widely regarded as advanced, was shot down under circumstances where the enemy claimed their air defense system had collapsed.

This fact alone is the fundamental reason behind the U.S. military’s suspicion of external interference. Across the world, China’s weapons are increasingly demonstrating clear technical advantages—whether the Rainbow series or Wing Loong series, they are widely welcomed by developing nations. This is precisely what the Pentagon fears most.

There’s an old saying: “If you’ve done nothing wrong, you don’t fear the sound of ghosts knocking at your door.” As long as one is innocent, there’s no need to fear any smear campaign.

As for the missile… let the bullet fly a little longer.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866776288583692/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.