(VIDEO) Houthi Downs 10th MQ-9 Reaper Drone, US Military Losses Reach US$300 Million
(VIDEO) This is the 10th MQ-9 Reaper drone belonging to the United States military that has been successfully shot down by the Houthi group and other armed factions in the Middle East since the conflict between Palestine and Israel began in October last year.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Houthi armed group in Yemen claims that its fighters have shot down yet another MQ-9 Reaper drone belonging to the United States military, valued at an estimated US$30 million (RM135 million) each.
This marks the 10th MQ-9 Reaper drone owned by the United States military to be successfully shot down by the Houthi group and other armed factions in the Middle East since the conflict between Palestine and Israel erupted in October last year.
The downing of this 10th American MQ-9 Reaper drone also occurred roughly five days after the ninth drone was shot down in Yemen’s Saada province.
In total, the United States has incurred a loss of US$300 million (RM1.29 billion) after the destruction of 10 MQ-9 Reaper drones by armed groups in the Middle East.
According to a spokesperson for the Houthi group, the 10th U.S. drone was shot down in the Dhawar region of Yemen.
The group also released a video showing the burning wreckage of the MQ-9 Reaper following its crash, although it did not disclose the type of weapon used to bring down the U.S. drone.
The United States military employs the MQ-9 Reaper drones, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GASI), to ensure the security of the coastal waters off Yemen for commercial vessels.
This advanced U.S.-made drone can fly for up to 27 hours continuously at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carry more than 1.7 tons of equipment, including sensitive sensors and electronic systems.
Primarily operated for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the MQ-9 Reaper can also be equipped with “Hellfire” missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II, and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) for strike operations.
According to data obtained in 2021, the United States military (primarily the United States Air Force – USAF) reportedly operates more than 300 MQ-9 Reaper drones, which were first introduced to the U.S. military in 2007.
MQ-9 ReaperDual-mode “Saqr 358”
The U.S. military plans to retire the MQ-9 Reaper by 2035.
The Houthi group is believed to be using Iran-made advanced “Saqr 358” missiles, which combine the capabilities of a kamikaze drone and an anti-aircraft missile, to target U.S. military drones.
The dual-mode “Saqr 358” missile integrates the functions of a suicide drone and an anti-aircraft missile, with its primary target being enemy drones operating in conflict zones in the Middle East.
Developed by Iran, this advanced missile is effectively utilized by Iran’s proxy groups in several Middle Eastern conflict zones, including the Houthis in Yemen, various armed factions in Iraq, and, more recently, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. – DSA