Iranian Forces Reportedly Shoot Down Two U.S. MQ-1 Drones
CBS News reports that Iranian forces shot down at least two American MQ-1 drones in recent days. U.S. Central Command has declined to comment on the incident.
CBS News reported that Iranian forces shot down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicles in recent days. U.S. officials familiar with the details provided the information on condition of anonymity, as they lacked authorization to speak publicly on the matter.
It remains unclear where the aircraft were downed or which version of the MQ-1 was involved. The U.S. military utilizes two main versions of the model: the Predator, which the U.S. Air Force used for years in Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring it in 2018, and the Gray Eagle, a larger aircraft.
Both models are primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, but they are also capable of carrying missiles and conducting strikes. In the Strait of Hormuz region, these aircraft can provide U.S. forces with continuous tracking capabilities over the narrow waterway.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to comment on the report.
