'How to shoot down an F-18': Videos show Iran militia members training to use anti-aircraft missiles

The Iranian authorities have since April 2026 distributed videos and training materials to members of the Basij volunteer militia instructing them on the use of shoulder-mounted anti-aircraft missiles known as MANPADS. Iranian forces have shot down several US warplanes using the weapons since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. © Observers

Iran’s military forces are preparing for a potential new round of US-Israeli attacks by deploying more man-portable air defence systems, or MANPADS, drawing on lessons from the recent war and the downing of multiple US and Israeli aircraft. FRANCE 24 obtained documents and videos revealing mass training by the Revolutionary Guards for members of the Basij, the IRGC’s paramilitary force, on how to fire MANPADS.

Since the US and Israel began their war on Iran on February 28, Iranian military forces have succeeded in shooting down or damaging several US and Israeli aircraft.