Iran has reportedly used thermal paint to create ground-based decoys that mimic the outlines of F-14 fighter jets, a move analysts say is intended to mislead aerial surveillance and draw strikes away from operational aircraft.
The United States has reportedly released images showing missiles and bombs hitting decoys positioned by Iran. Iranian fighter jets were reportedly moved to underground facilities around the same time.
The claims gained traction after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published video showing what it described as an airstrike on an Iranian Mi-17 helicopter.
However, questions were raised about whether the target was a real aircraft. Independent analysts on X reportedly argued that the “helicopter” could have been an anamorphic painting on asphalt.
Experts have reportedly suggested Iran may be adopting large-scale deception techniques to confuse target identification, waste precision munitions, and protect real systems.
Some observers also reportedly drew comparisons to tactics attributed to Russia during a 2023 phase of the war in Ukraine, where large ground paintings were said to have been used to mislead satellite imagery and aerial reconnaissance.
In accompanying statements, the IDF reportedly said it would continue striking what it called Iran’s aerial capabilities. The military also reportedly released footage it said showed strikes on Iranian soldiers operating an air defense system, along with the targeting of a Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter used by Iranian forces.
The developments come as the conflict reportedly escalates on its sixth day, with tensions rising inside Iran and across multiple regional fronts, including the Gulf, Lebanon and Iraq.
Iran has reportedly threatened global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while a separate report claimed a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
1. This happened in previous conflict, the F-14 targeting shown in the header of this article that is.
2. It was not “painted”, it was crafts which had been cannibalized for parts already and scraps which can be confirmed cause they had been in the same spot for years.
3. The helicopter theory is just speculation for now.
itna pagal touri hy west k painting py jaky bomb mary ga. pag al hogaye tum author. mery samny ao tum