Iran claims to have shot down modern US aircraft, including an F-15E fighter jet, by overhauling its air defense tactics and technology. Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, commander of Iran's National Air Defense Joint Command, stated today that Iranian forces are ambushing enemy fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with modern domestic equipment designed to counter 5th-generation aircraft and advanced unmanned systems.

General Elhami attributed these successes to deploying sound tactics alongside updated equipment and defense systems. He asserted that this approach has "confused and disoriented the enemy," though he did not detail the specific changes. Elhami further claimed Iranian forces have destroyed several modern fighter jets, dozens of cruise missiles, and over 160 UAVs, including Israel's advanced Hermes series and US-made LUCAS suicide drones.

US F-15E fighter jet participating in an attack operation on Iran on 14/3. *USAF*

US media, citing unnamed officials, confirmed on 3/4 that a US F-15E multirole fighter was shot down and crashed in Iran. The two-person crew ejected, with one pilot rescued while the other's whereabouts remain unknown. This marked the first time a manned US aircraft was downed over Iran since the conflict began.

Following the F-15E incident, Iran reportedly shot down a US A-10 attack aircraft supporting the search for the F-15E crew. The A-10 pilot successfully steered the aircraft out of Iranian airspace before ejecting and was rescued.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, has not commented on these incidents.

Debris believed to be from the F-15E fighter jet shot down by Iran on 3/4. *PressTV*

The US military has reportedly lost over 20 aircraft during the conflict, including an E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft and an F-35A stealth fighter. Most of these losses occurred due to Iranian fire while the aircraft were parked at airfields.

US Air & Space Forces magazine reported on 22/3 that an F-35A was severely damaged by a missile over Iran. Citing informed sources, the magazine indicated the aircraft is unlikely to return to service soon, and its pilot sustained shrapnel injuries.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director for the Iran program at the US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), suggested that Iran's military capabilities have weakened after over one month of continuous US-Israel attacks. While the US is assessed to have air superiority in Iran, this does not mean it is immune to all threats. Taleblu emphasized, "A degraded air defense system does not mean it has been completely destroyed. We should not be surprised that they continue to fight."

Aircraft suspected to be an F-35 fighter jet hit by a missile over Iran on the night of 19/3. *IRGC*

Another expert noted that US aircraft are currently flying lower than usual, increasing their vulnerability to Iranian missiles. This expert suggested the F-15E was likely downed by man-portable air-defense systems, a short-range weapon that is difficult to detect and counter.

Pham Giang (According to Tasnim, AP, Al Jazeera)