Iran downs at least 2 U.S. drones
Iranian forces have brought down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days, U.S. officials say.
In brief
Iranian forces have brought down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days, U.S. officials say. Iran has downed at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft, according to U.S. officials who spoke anonymously. Originally reported by CBS News.
Iran brings down two U.S. drones
Iranian forces have downed at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days, according to U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity.
Two MQ-1 variants in service
The U.S. military operates two principal MQ-1 variants: the Predator, retired by the Air Force in 2018, and the Gray Eagle, a larger Predator-derived aircraft still operated by the Army.
Drones designed for surveillance
Both the Predator and Gray Eagle were designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions but can also carry Hellfire missiles for striking targets.
Cost of the lost aircraft
If the downed aircraft were older MQ-1 Predators, the loss would total roughly eight million dollars. Gray Eagles cost tens of millions of dollars depending on the variant.
Broader losses in the conflict
At least twenty-four MQ-9 Reapers have been lost since the U.S. began its war with Iran, representing roughly seven hundred twenty million dollars in losses, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Pentagon declines to comment
U.S. Central Command, the military unit responsible for operations against Iran, declined to comment to CBS News on Thursday about the downed aircraft.
What matters most
Iran has downed at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft, according to U.S. officials who spoke anonymously.
