Images released by the Israeli Air Force indicate that an F-16 fighter may be using a little-known version of the JDAM guided bomb. In the photos, the plane appears carrying two GBU-31s weighing around 907 kg with unusual markings, including a red stripe on the front of the ammunition.
The images were published on the air force’s social networks along with reports of missions carried out deep into Iranian territory, including over the capital Tehran.
The detail that most caught the attention of analysts is precisely the red marking. In United States military standards, this type of identification may indicate an incendiary charge, something rare in JDAM bombs. The presence of a yellow stripe, traditionally associated with high explosives, suggests that the weapon can combine different types of payload.
One of the hypotheses raised is that the bomb is a variant similar to the BLU-119/B Crash PAD, developed in the early 2000s to neutralize stocks of chemical and biological weapons. This ammunition uses a combination of explosive and white phosphorus: the first ruptures containers that store dangerous substances, while the second incinerates the contaminating material, reducing risks to civilians and the environment.
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Experts also point out that Israel has a history of modifying American-made weapons for specific needs. Thus, the markings may indicate a specific version of JDAM or a model adapted for specific targets in the current conflict. For now, however, the exact identity of the bomb remains unknown and continues to be the subject of speculation among military analysts.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @IAFsite | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
“We fly deep into the enemy’s territory and over his capital city, Tehran, with determination and with a deep sense of mission. We will not stop.
The air crews carry out their mission far from Israel, at high risk, even when the enemy’s air defense system launched dozens of surface-to-air missiles at them.The ground crews, pilots, and navigators at the base work around the clock, bravely… pic.twitter.com/BMFGFL8X7a
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 3, 2026
