'How to shoot down an F-18': Videos show Iran militia members training to use anti-aircraft missiles
Summary
Iran’s military is training its paramilitary Basij forces to use man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to shoot down US and Israeli aircraft. This training follows the recent war that began on February 28, 2026, during which Iranian forces damaged or destroyed several US and Israeli planes using these weapons.Key Facts
- Since February 28, 2026, Iran has been at war with the US and Israel.
- Iranian forces have used MANPADS to shoot down or damage multiple US and Israeli aircraft, including an F-15, F-18, and MC-130.
- MANPADS are shoulder-launched missiles operated by one person and do not need radar to target planes.
- Their range is limited to about 5 to 10 kilometers, and their warheads weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms.
- These missiles are cheap, easy to move, manufacture, and use, making them hard to detect.
- Videos and training materials showing how to use MANPADS have been shared widely among Iran’s Basij paramilitary group since April 2026.
- Iranian forces displayed Iranian and Russian MANPADS during a public rally in Ahvaz in April 2026.
- Experts say MANPADS are “dangerous surprise weapons” because they lock on to aircraft heat without emitting signals and can even explode near the target to cause damage.
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