It was a P-8 Poseidon, which is equipped with an array of signal intelligence (SIGINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT) and electronic warfare (EW) systems. If it had a crew of 35 that means it was stacked to the hilt with specialists for a larger than usual surveillance capabilities if those crew numbers are correct. This means they were deliberately provoking and monitoring Iran's air defenses. Deliberate provocation full stop.
The US used P-8 Poseidon EWAC and the Global Hawk’s just outside of Syrian airspace monitoring all those drone swarm attacks by Al-Qaida headchoppers they funded when they attacked Russia’s Khmeimim airbase. What amazing timing the US has when the terrorist attacks to examine Syria’s and Russia’s defense capabilities its almost like they are directing Al-Qaida military operations /sarc.
Obviously Iran wasn't going to tolerate this when they stupidly crossed their airspace.
Does anyone ever question why they need to go so close to the boarders if they are just doing regular patrols?
