Unusual markings observed on F-35C returning from operation against Iran
A photo of a US F-35C fighter jet has emerged, featuring markings resembling a tanker, three submarines, a warship, and a drone. The Aviationist publication interprets them as records of completed combat missions and targets. However, the markings themselves do not confirm exactly which objects were destroyed.
Unusual markings observed on F-35C returning from operation against Iran
Such markings on the aircraft returning from Operation "Epic Wrath" against Iran may provide additional information about the weapons they used and the missions they performed.
What do the markings on the aircraft consist of?
On the left side of the fighter's fuselage, below the cockpit and in front of the air intake, silhouettes of various munitions are visible.
According to The Aviationist's interpretation, they may represent AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, AGM-154 JSOW guided strike weapons, as well as GBU-31 JDAM, GBU-54 Laser JDAM, and GBU-32 JDAM aerial bombs.
Additional lines next to each silhouette likely indicate that the corresponding weapon was used multiple times.
On the weapon bay door, there are images resembling targets. Among them are silhouettes of an oil tanker, three submarines, a warship resembling a corvette or frigate, a drone, and an artillery piece.
Two other markings are difficult to identify precisely. The publication wrote that one of them could represent a mobile anti-aircraft system on a vehicle, while the other might signify a stationary missile launcher or another ground target.
Which event does the drone marking refer to?
The drone silhouette on the aircraft resembles a delta-wing Shahed-136 device.
The article recalls that on February 3, 2026, an aircraft from the VMFA-314 squadron shot down a Shahed-139 drone flying towards the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.
Therefore, the marking could refer to that exact event. However, the silhouette in the photo does not match the type of drone mentioned in that battle. Thus, this connection remains a hypothesis for now.
The biggest question — three submarines
The publication paid special attention to the marking of three submarines. A tactical fighter hitting such targets is considered an unusual occurrence.
Earlier, it was reported that a submarine silhouette and the inscription "Sub Buster" were also seen on an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft belonging to the US Navy's VFA-41 squadron.