Iran Claims Historic Downing of US F-35 Using “Majid” Thermal-Guided Missile
DID Press: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly shot down a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter over central Iranian airspace using its short-range, thermal-guided surface-to-air missile system, known as Majid (AD-08). Multiple sources confirm the strike was successful, marking a significant milestone in Iran’s air defense capabilities.
The downing of the F-35 is expected to impact U.S. and Israeli plans for deep-penetration air operations in Iranian airspace. Beyond the current conflict, this event could influence operational planning for the F-35 fleet globally, affecting over 20 countries that have acquired the fifth-generation fighter.
The Majid system, first unveiled in a 2021 military parade, is designed for point defense rather than regional coverage, with an operational range of 700 km and altitude limit of 6 km. Its thermal guidance allows it to operate without radar emission, reducing detectability and increasing survivability against stealth aircraft. Analysts note that while F-35s have a very low radar cross-section, their heat signature remains a vulnerability that systems like Majid exploit.
Iranian thermal-guided air defense has previously downed several high-value U.S. and Israeli drones, including MQ-9 Reaper and Heron UAVs. Reports suggest only a single missile was fired at the F-35, likely due to limited inventory or prior usage against other targets.
Furthermore, Iran has invested heavily in modernizing its short-range air defenses. Recently leaked Russian documents indicate Iran signed a $580 million contract to acquire 500 9K333 Verba MANPADS and 2,500 9M336 missiles, systems noted for three-spectrum guidance (UV, near-IR, and mid-IR), capable of countering advanced DIRCM (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) defenses. These systems are expected to make low-altitude penetration of Iranian airspace extremely difficult.
Analysts highlight the F-35’s vulnerability due to delayed Block 4 software upgrades, limiting its stand-off strike capability and forcing closer engagement, which increases exposure to short-range air defenses such as Majid and Verba.
Source: Military Watch Magazine