AI-generated image reposted as real F-35 fighter jet shot down by Iranian air defenses

Social media accounts posted a photo of a destroyed fighter jet, claiming it was real, with the following caption: “The F-35 fighter jet that was shot down by Iranian air defenses, which costs an average of $85 million, and its pilot was captured.”

Kashif verified the image and found that it was generated using artificial intelligence. Upon closer examination of the image, a number of signs were noted that indicate this, including: Comparing the image of the fighter with real images of the F35 fighter, it became clear that its size is very large, and that it appears to be several times the size of the buildings appearing next to it. In addition, there is the nature of the destruction that befell the fighter in the circulated image, the size and nature of the distribution of people around it, the color contrast of the ground on which it fell, and the shape of the buildings that appear like drawings. 

The deputy governor of West Azerbaijan in Iran announced on 16 June 2025, that an Israeli F-35 fighter jet had been shot down, without mentioning the capture of its pilot. Unofficial media outlets and accounts had previously circulated information about Israeli fighter jets being shot down and pilots being captured, while an Israeli military spokesman denied that an Israeli fighter jet had been shot down and the pilot captured.

Kashif previously verified a photo purportedly showing a captured female fighter pilot. It turned out to be from 2021 and depicts First Lieutenant Daniela Figueroa Schulz of the Chilean Navy.