News - Yemen: Indian media outlets have reported growing concerns following the repeated success of Yemeni Armed Forces in downing American MQ-9 drones, making Yemen a graveyard for these advanced drones. This raises concerns for India, which plans to purchase MQ-9 drones for its army and navy.

According to the Indian news website NPT, Yemen has become a perilous environment for the American MQ-9 Reaper drone. The latest drone downed in Marib governorate last week marks the sixth MQ-9 drone shot down in a year. Yemen's success in downing these drones is causing India to reconsider its decision to acquire them.

The report noted that Yemen poses significant risks for the MQ-9 Reaper, considered the most advanced and powerful American drone. India has planned to purchase 30 MQ-9B drones, with America having agreed to the deal. This purchase is driven by India's need for a powerful and lethal drone amid tensions with China and Pakistan.

However, the report highlights that the ease with which Yemenis are downing these American drones, despite the disparity in military capabilities, is increasing India's concerns. Yemen has a history of successfully targeting these drones, making it a key area of concern for nations looking to acquire them.

The MQ-9 Reaper, an achievement of American unmanned aviation, is heavily relied upon by the US Army for sensitive and complex missions, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted attacks. The US also limits the sale of these drones to a select group of countries and strives to destroy their wreckage to protect the technology's secrecy.

On Friday, the Yemeni Armed Forces shot down an American MQ-9 drone carrying out hostile activities in Marib Governorate. This marks the fourth drone shot down since the beginning of the "Promised Conquest" and "Sacred Jihad" in support of Gaza.

 This successful interception underscores the Yemeni Armed Forces' readiness across land, sea, and air, signaling their capability to thwart enemy attempts effectively.