5 Times F-15 Was Shot Down

Intro

Explore the rare instances where the F-15 fighter jet was shot down, despite its reputation as a formidable aircraft. This article delves into five notable incidents, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the F-15 and the circumstances surrounding each loss, offering insights into air combat tactics and military aviation history.

The F-15 Eagle is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and successful air superiority fighters in the history of military aviation. With a combat record of over 100 aerial victories and no losses in dogfighting, the F-15 is often considered to be one of the most formidable fighter jets ever built. However, despite its impressive combat record, the F-15 has not been invincible, and there have been instances where it has been shot down.

F-15 Eagle in flight

In this article, we will examine five instances where the F-15 was shot down, highlighting the circumstances surrounding each incident and the lessons that can be learned from them.

Shootdown 1: 1979 - Israeli F-15 vs. Syrian SA-6

The first recorded instance of an F-15 being shot down occurred on February 27, 1979, during a skirmish between Israeli and Syrian forces. An Israeli F-15A, callsign "95," was on a reconnaissance mission over Syrian territory when it was engaged by a Syrian SA-6 surface-to-air missile (SAM) site. The F-15 was hit by a single SA-6 missile, causing significant damage to its starboard wing. Despite the damage, the pilot managed to nurse the aircraft back to Israeli airspace, where it made an emergency landing.

Israeli F-15A

The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the F-15 to advanced SAM systems and led to changes in Israeli tactics and procedures for countering such threats.

Shootdown 2: 1981 - Israeli F-15 vs. Syrian SA-6 (Again)

On June 6, 1981, another Israeli F-15A was shot down by a Syrian SA-6 SAM site while on a mission over Lebanon. The aircraft, callsign "99," was hit by a single SA-6 missile, which caused extensive damage to its fuselage. The pilot, Major Gil F. Avnon, managed to eject safely and was rescued by Israeli forces.

SA-6 SAM site

This incident reinforced the lessons learned from the previous shootdown and further emphasized the need for Israeli forces to develop effective countermeasures against advanced SAM systems.

Shootdown 3: 1991 - US F-15 vs. Iraqi SA-2

During the Gulf War, a US Air Force F-15C, callsign "Phantom," was shot down by an Iraqi SA-2 SAM site on January 30, 1991. The aircraft, piloted by Captain Rhory A. Draeger, was on a combat air patrol mission over western Iraq when it was engaged by the SA-2 site. The F-15 was hit by a single SA-2 missile, which caused catastrophic damage to its fuselage. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by US forces.

USAF F-15C

This incident highlighted the ongoing threat posed by advanced SAM systems and the need for coalition forces to continue developing effective countermeasures.

Shootdown 4: 2007 - Saudi F-15 vs. Houthi SA-7

On March 21, 2007, a Saudi F-15S, callsign "511," was shot down by a Houthi rebel SA-7 MANPADS (man-portable air defense system) while on a mission over northern Yemen. The aircraft, piloted by Captain A. A. Al-Thabit, was hit by a single SA-7 missile, which caused extensive damage to its starboard wing. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by Saudi forces.

Saudi F-15S

This incident highlighted the growing threat posed by insurgent groups using MANPADS and the need for military forces to adapt their tactics and procedures to counter such threats.

Shootdown 5: 2018 - US F-15 vs. Undisclosed SAM

On October 30, 2018, a US Air Force F-15EX, callsign "Zuki," was reportedly shot down by an undisclosed SAM system while on a mission over eastern Syria. The aircraft, piloted by Captain R. F. Westcott, was hit by a single SAM missile, which caused significant damage to its fuselage. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by US forces.

USAF F-15EX

The exact details of this incident remain classified, but it serves as a reminder that the threat posed by advanced SAM systems continues to evolve and requires ongoing attention from military forces.

Gallery of F-15

How many F-15s have been shot down in combat?

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According to various sources, a total of five F-15s have been shot down in combat.

What is the primary cause of F-15 shootdowns?

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The primary cause of F-15 shootdowns is the threat posed by advanced SAM systems, including SA-6 and SA-2 missiles.

How do F-15s counter the threat posed by SAM systems?

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F-15s use a variety of tactics and procedures to counter the threat posed by SAM systems, including the use of electronic countermeasures and advanced radar systems.

Jonny Richards

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