IRGC shoots down US MQ-9 drone over Hormozgan

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the skies over Hormozgan province. The statement, released by the IRGC's Public Relations Department, said the drone was brought down by a new advanced defense system operating under the country's integrated air defense network.

This incident comes a day after The Washington Post reported that the United States has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the beginning of its military campaign against Iran. According to the report, Iranian air defenses have accounted for roughly a quarter of the US fleet of these drones, exposing the vulnerability of one of Washington's key surveillance and strike platforms.

At the start of the conflict on February 28, the US possessed approximately 185 Reapers, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. The losses attributed to Iranian air defenses highlight the challenges faced by the US military in protecting its expensive drones while operating over Iranian territory.

The IRGC's statement did not provide further details about the specific location or the type of defense system used. However, it emphasized that the operation was conducted under the integrated air defense network, which coordinates various radar and missile systems across the country.

According to Mehr News Agency, the downing of the drone is part of ongoing tensions in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The report by Mehr News added that the IRGC remains vigilant in defending Iran's airspace against any foreign intrusion.