This week, the U.S. Navy has unveiled images of its F-35C fighters equipped with a new mirror-like reflective coating designed to counter IRST systems, potentially enhancing their stealth capabilities. According to the description accompanying the photographs, the aircraft belongs to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), which is responsible for testing new systems intended for integration into U.S. naval aviation. However, there are doubts regarding when the images were actually taken.
The images show a reflective coating applied over the F-35C’s traditional gray paint scheme, consisting of various panels arranged in a way that does not interfere with the aircraft’s landing gear and internal weapons bays. The panels come in different shapes and sizes—triangular and diamond-shaped (the latter being the largest)—and their reflectivity changes depending on the angle from which the photo is taken. These are clearly visible on the aircraft’s tail sections.
It’s worth noting that the U.S. Air Force has previously experimented with similar panels on its F-22 fighters. At the time, it was stated that the purpose was to protect the fuselage from wear caused by flying in “salty air” environments. That project, according to previously consulted pilots, did not progress due to the panels detaching during maneuvering, raising questions about their real utility—unless improvements have since been made to ensure they remain attached to the fighter’s structure.
In this context, it’s also important to mention that as early as 2022, two VX-9 F-35Cs were seen sporting a similar coating while stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Their appearance coincided with the U.S. Air Force testing its so-called “Chrome Raptor” F-22 in Nevada, showing clear similarities in the reflective coatings. In 2023, another F-35C from Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) was observed with coating panels during an exercise aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, though it featured fewer panels than previous examples—applied only to parts of the tail and wings.
Finally, regarding the doubts about the date the photographs were taken, defense outlet The Aviationist reported that an analysis of the EXIF data from the images published by the U.S. Navy indicates they were taken on August 30, 2022, not April 28, 2025, as stated by the official source. This discrepancy is notable, as F-35Cs with similar coatings were indeed observed operating at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu on the earlier date—the location officially listed as where the images were captured. Given the nature of this development, it wouldn’t be surprising if the release of the images was significantly delayed.
Cover image: Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis
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