Yemeni Houthis claim another costly blow to US drone fleet
The Yemeni Houthi rebels boasted about shooting down another American MQ-9A Reaper drone. Here, we provide an overview of the "Reaper's" performance and the context of its downing.
The Yemeni Houthis claimed to have shot down another American MQ-9A Reaper drone. This would be at least the fourth unit shot down in 2024 alone. It's worth noting that each unit costs approximately $56.6 million (based on 2011 prices). The Houthis claim to have shot down up to 14 units, which may correspond to the known losses of the Reapers since 2019 (11-12 units), most of which have been confirmed by wreckage photos.
The Houthis likely used unusual anti-aircraft missiles received from Iran, known as 358, Saqr-1, or SA-67, to shoot the drone down. The US Navy has often confiscated these missiles on fishing boats in the Red Sea. Additionally, the Houthis possess several 2K12 Kub and S-125 Neva systems.
MQ-9A Reaper — the US drone that is the scourge of terrorists
The MQ-9A Reaper, also known as Predator B, is an American drone that is a more advanced model of the well-known MQ-1 Predator used by the United States Air Force (USAF). According to the 2011 rate, the Reaper cost approximately $56.6 million. These drones carry out reconnaissance and conduct pinpoint attacks, focusing on missions against terrorists.
MQ-9A Reaper drones have been used by Americans worldwide, from Africa through the Middle East to the border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan. For attacks, they most commonly used AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, but over time, a version with retractable blades, the R9X Hellfire Ninja, was developed to reduce the risk of collateral damage.
MQ-9A Reaper — impressive capabilities and air time
The MQ-9A Reaper is a HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance) category drone that can fly up to 15,000 metres for over 27 hours. Its stealth technology gives it a relatively small radar cross-section, especially from the front.
Its dimensions include an empty weight of 2,200 kilograms and a wingspan of 20 metres. It is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10GD engine, which has a fuel capacity of 1,770 kilograms. This provides a significant operational range but makes it more susceptible to heat-seeking missiles.
This drone can carry additional equipment on seven pylons with a total weight capacity of up to 1,700 kilograms. This equipment may include gear such as day and thermal high-resolution cameras, radar, a laser rangefinder and target designator, electronic warfare pods, and signal amplifiers, not to mention weaponry.
The armament includes laser-guided Paveway II bombs, JDAM bombs, anti-tank AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and even AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, which allow for countering other drones or aircraft.
