Iran’s evolving air defense strategy is raising serious questions about U.S. air superiority after reports of an F-15E Strike Eagle being downed inside Iranian territory. Analysts point to advanced infrared tracking systems that can detect heat signatures without emitting radar signals, making them extremely difficult to counter. As Iran integrates passive sensors with layered defense networks, the incident highlights a potential shift in modern aerial warfare, where even stealth aircraft like the F-35 could face new vulnerabilities.