Israel-Iran Conflict: Viral Fighter Jet Video Debunked as Simulation
A video widely shared as real footage from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict—showing a fighter jet struck by surface-to-air missiles—is actually a military simulation. Originally uploaded to YouTube on May 18, 2025, it features a Su-57 jet targeted by a SAM missile system. The video lacks real combat footage, yet is being used to fuel false narratives online.
FACT:
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The video was not filmed in a real conflict zone.
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It comes from a YouTube channel known for defense simulations.
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It clearly states the content is CGI and animated for visual representation only.
INTENT:
Social media influencers and pages are using out-of-context simulation clips to:
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Mislead audiences about real-time war developments
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Stoke fear and propaganda
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Build narratives around geopolitical events without credible evidence
TAKEAWAY:
Always verify viral footage before sharing. Visual effects and military simulations are increasingly being used to spread fake news, especially during sensitive geopolitical events like the Israel-Iran conflict.
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ANALYSIS: FakeFACT: A video showing heavy artillery fire targeting a fighter jet is being circulated with the claim that it is real footage from the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. But, we found that the same video was uploaded to YouTube on May 18, 2025. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hVGx0jNrhs
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) June 14, 2025
