Overview
- - The IDF posted infrared footage on March 4 claiming strikes that neutralized Iranian air-defense operators and showed what it labeled an Mi-17 helicopter being hit.
- - Online analysis remains divided, with some citing static rotors and intact outlines as signs of a painted decoy and others pointing to thermal signatures and smoke behavior consistent with a real aircraft.
- - India Today reported that two viral images purporting to show bombed painted decoys contained SynthID watermarks indicating they were AI-generated, without verifying the original IDF video.
- - The IDF has not issued a follow-up clarification, and the original post remains public as debate over the target’s authenticity continues.
- - Local reports describe painted decoys as a low-cost attrition tactic to drain expensive missiles, though claims of such deployments and their effect have not been independently confirmed.