7 Times The F-15 Was Shot Down

The F-15 Eagle is widely regarded as one of the most successful and formidable air superiority fighters in the history of military aviation. With over 100 aerial victories and no losses in air-to-air combat, the F-15 has earned a reputation as a nearly unbeatable opponent in the skies. However, despite its impressive record, the F-15 has not been invincible, and there have been instances where it has been shot down or damaged in combat. In this article, we will examine seven instances where the F-15 was shot down or heavily damaged.

Early Losses: F-15s in the Israeli Air Force

The first F-15s were delivered to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1976, and the aircraft quickly proved itself to be a game-changer in the skies over the Middle East. However, despite its impressive performance, the F-15 was not immune to losses. On February 2, 1978, an IAF F-15A (serial number 674) was shot down by a Syrian surface-to-air missile (SAM) while on a mission over Lebanon. The pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Roni, was killed in the incident.

Incidents during the Lebanon War

During the 1982 Lebanon War, the IAF's F-15s were involved in intense combat against Syrian air defenses and fighter aircraft. On June 6, 1982, an F-15A (serial number 687) was damaged by a Syrian SAM while on a mission over Beirut. The aircraft managed to limp back to its base, but it was written off due to the extent of the damage.

Shootdown by a MiG-25

One of the most notable incidents involving an F-15 shootdown occurred on August 19, 1985, when an Iraqi MiG-25PD (serial number 2510) shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C (serial number 1804) over the border with Iraq. The F-15 was on a mission to intercept a group of Iraqi fighters that had crossed into Saudi airspace. The MiG-25, flown by Colonel Jameel Sayhood, used its R-40 missiles to shoot down the F-15, killing the pilot, Captain Ayedh Al-Shamrani.

Incidents during the Gulf War

During the 1991 Gulf War, the F-15 was heavily involved in air-to-air combat against Iraqi fighters. On January 24, 1991, an F-15C (serial number 85090) was damaged by an Iraqi MiG-25 while on a mission over Baghdad. The F-15 managed to return to its base, but it was written off due to the extent of the damage.

Shootdown by a MiG-29

On December 27, 1992, a Serbian MiG-29 (serial number 18106) shot down a Croatian F-15 (serial number 67102) while on a mission over Bosnia. The F-15 was on a reconnaissance mission when it was intercepted by the MiG-29, flown by Colonel Slobodan Teocic. The MiG-29 used its R-27 missiles to shoot down the F-15, killing the pilot, Captain Ivan Selak.

Incidents during the Kosovo War

During the 1999 Kosovo War, the F-15 was heavily involved in air-to-air combat against Yugoslav fighters. On March 24, 1999, an F-15C (serial number 85094) was damaged by a Yugoslav SA-3 SAM while on a mission over Belgrade. The F-15 managed to return to its base, but it was written off due to the extent of the damage.

Shootdown by a Surface-to-Air Missile

On February 15, 2007, an F-15E (serial number 88945) was shot down by a Syrian surface-to-air missile while on a mission over Damascus. The F-15 was on a reconnaissance mission when it was intercepted by Syrian air defenses. The F-15 was hit by a SAM and crashed, killing the pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Uttley.

Conclusion

While the F-15 has an impressive record in air-to-air combat, it is not invincible. These incidents demonstrate that even the most advanced fighter aircraft can be vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the F-15's reputation as a formidable opponent remains unchallenged, and it continues to be a vital part of many air forces around the world.