Iran has released a video claiming it detected and shot down an American F-35 fighter jet, challenging the idea that the aircraft was invisible and untouchable.The video by Iranian Press TV states that the incident took place around 2:50 am on March 19. Iranian air defence systems tracked the jet, using infrared technology instead of radar. This method detects heat, which stealth aircraft cannot hide. The claim presents this as a clear weakness in advanced fighter jets.
Iran says the operation followed a planned strategy. For weeks, it reduced visible radar activity and used decoys to create a false sense of security. This led the aircraft to enter deeper into Iranian airspace. Once in range, the defence systems engaged the target using heat tracking.
The video describes the action as deliberate and calculated. It states that the result was not accidental. Instead, it shows how a simpler method exposed the limits of high cost military technology.
The claim sends a direct message about modern warfare. It argues that expensive systems do not guarantee dominance. The development has raised questions about the reliability of stealth technology. It points to a shift in military thinking, where alternative detection methods challenge established assumptions about air power.Iran presents this as a turning point. It claims the era of untouchable air power has ended and that future conflicts will depend on strategy and adaptability.