Iran has SHOT DOWN one of its $180million spy drones
The US have confirmed that Iran has shot down one of its $180million spy drones, but refutes the Revolutionary Guard's claims it was in Iranian airspace.
Tehran alleged an RQ-4 Global Hawk was shot down over their southern coastal city of Hormozgan, but a U.S. official said it had been a Navy MQ-4C Triton in international airspace.
A highly sophisticated missile will have been deployed, of deep concern to Washington not only for Tehran's patently advanced arsenal, but the secrets they could steal in examining the stricken drone.
The MQ-4C soars to over 50,000ft, can be operated from 9,400 miles away and is loaded with optical/infrared sensors - it is believed to be the first time one has been taken out.
Navy MQ-4C Triton
The first few high-altitude, high-endurance Naval drones were introduced in May of last year.
The U.S. plans to have a fleet of 68 operational by 2032.
Capable of more than 30 hours at 55,000ft, Washington will be deeply concerned by the loss of the $180million drone.
Not only does it signal sophisticated missiles exist in the Iranian arsenal, but also that their technology may have fallen into Tehran's sinister hands.
Its optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors enable full motion video surveillance with capabilities to detect, classify and track targets.
Tehran said it shot down an RQ-4 Global Hawk over the southern coastal province of Hormozgan, but a U.S. official said it was a Navy MQ-4C Triton in international airspace.
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