Qatari F-15QAs shot down Iranian Su-24s
As already reported, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense announced on Mar. 2, 2026 that the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) shot down two Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Sukhoi Su-24 (NATO reporting name: Fencer) attack aircraft approaching from Iran. Now according to US and Qatari sources, QEAF F-15QA Ababil fighter jets undertook the intercept.
The IRIAF aircraft were flying extremely low, around 80 feet above the ground, apparently attempting to avoid radar detection as they approached Qatar and they came within two minutes of striking the largest base housing US troops in the Middle East before the Qatari air force shot down the aircraft, according to CNN.
One source told the outlet that the Su-24 planes were “carrying bombs and guided munitions.”
Al Udeid Air Base, a major military facility used by US forces, and Ras Laffan, one of the world’s largest liquified natural gas hubs, were the suspected targets of the Iranian Su-24s.
After the radio warnings were ignored by the Fencers, they were classified as hostiles by Qatari pilots who intercepted and shot them down. The Su-24 crashed into the waters off Qatar before reaching their targets.
“Qatari fighters for the first time have shot down two Iranian bombers on route to their location,” US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said during a Pentagon briefing.
These kills are the first known air-to-air victories for the F-15QA.
Noteworthy the Su-24s were not only the first two Iranian aircraft shot down since the start of the conflict, but also the first Iranian attempt to attack its neighbors with warplanes.
Ababil
The F-15QA Ababil is an advanced version of the F-15 developed for Qatar, with AESA radar, a powerful EW suite, additional thrust and new flight control software, among other improvements. It was later ordered by the USAF, where it is known as the F-15EX Eagle II.
The aircraft features digital fly-by-wire controls, an advanced cockpit system with glass displays and state-of-the-art electronic weapon systems and includes almost three miles of high-speed data cable to ensure it overcomes any threat.
Driven by digital engineering and advanced manufacturing, the F-15QA represents a transformational leap for the F-15.
Photo credit: Dafydd Phillips
