US Confirms Loss of MQ-4C Surveillance Drone in April Incident
Authorities did not disclose the exact location of the incident, citing operational security concerns. However, the drone was reportedly last observed operating in international airspace and moving in a direction toward Iran. Officials said there is no indication that it crashed within Iranian territory.
The aircraft, estimated to be worth around $238 million, had been carrying out a maritime surveillance mission over the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz before it disappeared from public flight-tracking systems, according to reports.
The MQ-4C Triton, developed by Northrop Grumman, was launched from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy. It is designed for long-endurance missions, capable of remaining airborne for over 24 hours at altitudes reaching approximately 50,000 feet. The Navy has not disclosed the cause of the loss or provided details about any recovered debris.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened military activity involving the United States and Israel against Iran, during which several U.S. military aircraft, including drones and fighter jets, have reportedly been lost since late February.
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