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