All U.S. Fighter planes likely need to be flying above 15,000 feet in elevation so they aren't shot down by Shoulder Fired missiles

This is a relatively new development here. And this might be important because the Stinger Missile is what lost the war in Afghanistan by the Soviets when our CIA sent STinger type missiles to Osama Bin Laden and the Mujahadeen of Afghanistan and they basically wiped out all Fighter planes, helicopters, and Tanks which helped bring down the Soviet Union.

So, it is likely that Russia under  Putin is getting payback right now by sending these types of Stinger missiles that can reach 15,000 feet in altitude now.

If it cost 500 million plus dollars to reach one airman who was injured after his plane was shot down by a shoulder fired Stinger type of missile you can see the problem first hand here:

how high can a shoulder fired missile shoot down a plane from?  Begin quotes:

 

Shoulder-fired missiles, or Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) like the

FIM-92 Stinger, can typically shoot down aircraft at altitudes up to 10,000 to 15,000 feet (roughly 3,000 to 4,500 meters). They are most effective against planes and helicopters during takeoff or landing. 

Key Details on MANPADS Capabilities:

• Effective Altitude: While some systems can reach higher, 15,000 feet is generally considered the maximum effective altitude for most portable, infrared-guided missiles.
• Weapon Examples: The FIM-92 Stinger can engage targets at altitudes up to roughly 12,500 feet, or nearly 4,800 meters, though maximum ranges may differ slightly.
• Vulnerability Phase: Commercial airliners cruise at roughly 30,000–40,000 feet, far above the reach of these systems, making them vulnerable only during takeoff and landing.
• Targeting: These missiles use infrared guidance to lock onto the heat signature of an aircraft's engine. 

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While some reports suggest potential engagement altitudes in specific scenarios might reach slightly higher, 10,000–15,000 feet is the standard operational ceiling for these weapons. 

• 3 Weapons That Threaten Commercial Planes - RAND

  Jul 18, 2014 — These missiles tend to have an operational ceiling of 10,000 to 15,000 feet, so commercial aircraft are typically vulnerable only ...

  

  RAND

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