U.S. drone downed by Yemeni Houthis in escalating conflict
Yemeni Houthi rebels have made their presence known once again. A video and photos confirming the shootdown of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone have surfaced online. We remind you of the key features of this advanced and costly unmanned aerial vehicle.
The Iran-supported group has been conducting attacks on both military and civilian ships in the Red Sea since December 2023, as a show of support for Palestinian Hamas fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip. The United States is also very active in the Middle East, trying to assist Israel through intelligence operations, among other efforts. However, this often leads to equipment losses.
MQ-9 Reaper shot down by Houthis
This time, an MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down. According to information provided by the Houthis, the successful attack on the American UAV took place over northern Yemen in the Saada province. The Pentagon, commenting on the incident, stated that it is investigating the reports but so far cannot provide details.
As noted on the Globe Eye News profile run on the X platform, the MQ-9 Reaper is valued at over 30 million US dollars.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a drone developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems based on the MQ-1 Predator. It can be used for both reconnaissance and strike missions (in the latter case, it is equipped with appropriate weaponry). It began entering service in the U.S. military in 2007.
MQ-9 Reaper - key features
The MQ-9 Reaper is over 36 feet long, with a wingspan of almost 66 feet. It provides a flight duration of up to 27 hours and can operate at altitudes of nearly 49,000 feet.
The maximum speed achieved by this American UAV is about 273 miles per hour. It can carry reconnaissance equipment (such as observation heads with a thermal imaging camera or radar) or armament with a total weight of 1.9 tons.
Missiles and bombs designed for it are suspended on several built-in pylons. The MQ-9 Reaper is adapted for the AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and guided bombs from the Paveway II and JDAM families.
