Iran has reportedly used thermal paint to create ground-based decoys designed to resemble F-14 Tomcat fighter jets, a tactic analysts say is meant to mislead aerial surveillance and divert enemy strikes away from real aircraft.
Reports claim that the United States released images showing missiles and bombs striking what were believed to be aircraft targets. However, the targets were allegedly decoys painted on the ground, while actual Iranian fighter jets had already been relocated to underground facilities.
The claims gained wider attention after the Israel Defense Forces published footage showing what it described as an airstrike on a Mil Mi-17 helicopter operated by Iranian forces.
Soon after the video circulated, independent analysts on X raised doubts about the authenticity of the target. Some observers suggested the “helicopter” might not have been real and could instead have been an anamorphic painting on asphalt designed to look like an aircraft from the air.
Military experts say such deception tactics are intended to confuse surveillance systems, waste precision-guided munitions, and protect operational equipment from attack. By forcing opposing forces to target decoys, defenders can reduce the effectiveness of expensive airstrikes.
Observers also compared the alleged strategy to tactics reportedly used by Russia during phases of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2023, when large ground paintings and inflatable decoys were reportedly deployed to mislead satellite imagery and aerial reconnaissance.
In statements accompanying the released footage, the Israel Defense Forces said it would continue striking what it described as Iran’s aerial capabilities. The military also released additional video that it claimed showed attacks on Iranian soldiers operating an air defense system.
The situation comes amid rising regional tensions as the conflict enters its sixth day, with developments spreading across several fronts including the Gulf region, Lebanon and Iraq. Iran has also warned about potential disruption to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
