In a costly error, a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone was accidentally shot down in northern Syria on December 9 by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-allied group, according to US officials.
The MQ-9, valued at approximately $30 million, was conducting a mission under Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS).
US officials first told CNN that the Kurdish-led SDF, principal partners in the fight against ISIS, mistakenly targeted the drone amid their ongoing conflict with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
The SDF has been locked in battles with the SNA over control of northern Syria. Turkish drones frequently operate in the area, striking SDF positions.
The region’s instability has been exacerbated by the recent collapse of the Syrian Arab Republic under Bashar al-Assad on December 8, following major offensives by the Syrian opposition.
US officials confirmed the incident was a result of friendly fire, with the SDF mistaking the MQ-9 for a threat. Images circulating on social media shortly after the downing showed the largely intact wreckage of the drone.
To prevent sensitive technology from falling into the wrong hands, US forces intentionally destroyed the remaining portions of the aircraft after recovering key components.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed the incident on December 11 but refrained from attributing responsibility directly to the SDF.
“There’s been no change to our partnership with the SDF when it comes to ensuring the defeat of ISIS,” she said, noting that cooperation between the US and SDF remains strong despite the mishap.
This is not the first instance arising from the overlapping interests of the many factions involved in Syria’s war. In October 2023, a US F-16 fighter jet shot down a Turkish drone attempting to strike SDF forces near American troops.
Despite being NATO allies, the US and Turkey often find themselves at odds over the SDF, which Ankara considers an adversary due to its links to Kurdish separatist groups.
Meanwhile, the US military is now reviewing its protocols to prevent similar incidents. A Pentagon official stated that US Air Forces Central is assessing the actions leading to the drone’s destruction and will adjust tactics and procedures to safeguard coalition assets better.
Vulnerability of MQ-9 Reapers
The recent incident involving the downing of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in Syria adds to a growing list of cases where these advanced unmanned aircraft have been brought down in contested regions.
The MQ-9’s vulnerabilities have been highlighted repeatedly, with even low-tech forces like Yemen’s Houthi rebels managing to shoot them down on multiple occasions.
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, priced at around $30 million per unit, is a sophisticated drone capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and staying airborne for 24 hours.
These drones are a critical asset for US military and intelligence operations. They have been a fixture in Yemen’s skies for years, conducting surveillance and strike missions.
On November 8, 2024, the Houthis claimed responsibility for taking down another MQ-9 Reaper. Videos circulated online showing a fiery descent of what appeared to be the drone, prompting the US military to acknowledge the footage and confirm it was investigating without providing further details.
Earlier in September 2024, two MQ-9s were downed in Yemen within a span of seven days. The AP reported the incidents took place on September 10 and 16, with the US military confirming the losses at the time.
The Houthis have a history of targeting and successfully shooting down MQ-9 Reapers, with confirmed incidents in 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2024. On October 2, US Central Command confirmed that a Reaper was downed over the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa.
Despite repeated losses, the exact number of drones shot down in the region remains unclear, as the US military has refrained from disclosing comprehensive figures. However, reports suggest that at least ten MQ-9s have been lost in the past year alone.
Even in light of the series of downings, the capabilities of these drones remain highly regarded, and their demand in the global market shows no signs of waning. India, for instance, is moving forward with a procurement deal for 31 MQ-9 drones at a cost exceeding $3 billion.
The Indian Navy is expected to receive 15 of these drones to increase its maritime surveillance and strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Air Force are each set to acquire eight drones, enhancing their ability to monitor and manage operations along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to the EurAsian Times, Japan has also recently chosen the MQ-9 SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program.
These acquisitions are, in many ways, justified. While an MQ-9 may struggle to survive in contested airspace, experts argue that this should not be the sole factor in evaluating its value in modern warfare.
Military forces face diverse operational demands, and drones like the MQ-9 can effectively carry out specific missions. This allows more advanced assets, such as fighter jets, to focus on high-priority objectives where they are most effective.
Moreover, the advanced capabilities of these drones allow more autonomous operations. This allows commanders to take greater risks in forward areas during periods of heightened tensions, as deploying a Reaper poses no danger to pilots or other personnel
- Contact the author at ashishmichel(at)gmail.com
- Follow EurAsian Times on Google News
