Did Iran Trick Israel Into Bombing A Painting Of A Helicopter? IDF Video Sparks Online Debate

Last Updated:March 06, 2026, 12:59 IST

IDF's X handle on March 4 posted a grainy infrared footage, which shows blast at two locations in Iran. Some, howver, feel a painting, not an actual helicopter, has been hit

Did Iran fool Israeli forces into hitting a painting instead of their real helicopter? A video posted by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has sparked an online debate over the “strike" on an Mi-17 helicopter.

The video has left even Grok wondering.

The video

The IDF’s official X handle on March 4 posted a grainy infrared footage, which shows blast at two locations in Iran destroying Iranian assets and buildings.

Users, however, pointed out that the black and white video doesn’t show an actual helicopter being hit, but a drawing of the chopper.

The reactions

Independent analysts and online investigators pointed out that the target remained intact in areas not directly hit, its rotors did not move, and it appeared to be a 3D anamorphic drawing rather than an operational aircraft.

“Why didn’t the rotor blades come off here after the missile struck the helicopter," asked Grok.

“Why would you post this self-own? If this was a real chopper the wings wouldn’t look exactly as they did before the bombing. You bombed a painting, you retards," said another user.

ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates HERE

“Israel is great at bombing schools full of children and chalk paintings on the ground," said a user.

Some also pointed out the lack of secondary explosions, the static position of the rotors, and satellite imagery showing similar “aircraft" in the same spots for years.

Some felt argue that the movement of smoke after the strike suggests a real military asset was hit. “If this is a painting how do you explain the shadows," asked a user. “A decoy wouldn’t have a heat signature like it does in the video, because this video is fake," said another. “Since when does paint show up on thermal vision," asked a user.

Iran’s attrition strategy

According to local media reports, Iranian units have reportedly painted life-sized outlines of Mi-17 helicopters and F-14 fighter jets directly onto asphalt runways and strategic areas using inexpensive paint.

While the painted decoys cost only a few dollars to produce, the Israeli missiles used to “destroy" them can cost between $40,000 and $3 million each.

This tactic is part of an attrition strategy aimed at exhausting enemy munitions and resources while protecting actual military assets hidden in underground tunnels.

IDF, meanwhile, is yet to clarify.

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