[nycdatasci]

There’s a lot of speculation about how this was achieved, but little mention of the likely weapon system that was used: https://israel-alma.org/the-growing-air-defense-capabilities...

The SA-67 is essentially a hybrid surface-to-air missile and loitering drone that operates like an airborne mine. It’s a pretty innovative weapon: instead of relying on a fast, highly detectable rocket motor, it uses a small gas turbine and passive infrared seeker to silently loiter in a combat zone and then ambush aircraft without ever triggering their traditional radar warning receivers.

[Betelbuddy]

Iran purchased the Verba:

"Iran Secretly Purchased Verba MANPADS From Russia for $589 Million" - https://militarnyi.com/en/news/iran-secretly-purchased-verba...

and they have the Misagh-3 that has an interesting laser system to avoid and ignore decoy flares. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misagh-3

https://youtu.be/XKxfSlJ-HdQ

But it seems they are pretty pissed off with the Chinese, since they spent a few hundred million on their defense systems, that turned to be a complete failure. This was also after the HQ-9B failed to adequately protect high-value targets in Pakistan during India Operation Sindoor,

"Chinese HQ-9B again in spotlight after reports of failure of Iranian air defence system amid US-Israel strikes" - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/chinese-hq...

[bigyabai]

I don't believe the SA-67 is the most-likely weapon used, here. Given that it's turbojet powered, that missile is almost certainly subsonic and better suited for taking out prop-driven drones like the Predator. Even at sea level, the F-15E would probably outrun it at low cruise speed.

You're definitely right that passive seekers are playing a huge role here, though. Many people online (and on HN) bought into the air dominance shtick just because major radar sites were taken offline. It was always the road mobile and TELAR vehicles that would be a threat.

[smilekzs]

Reminds me of https://dunerts.wiki.gg/wiki/Anti-Air_Mine

Early 2000s RTS games (Starcraft 1, Warcraft 3, CnC franchise) continue to amaze me in how well their seemingly comical "game physics" model the intrinsic dynamics of real world conflicts, almost prophetically.