News - Yemen: The Yemeni Armed Forces announced, Tuesday, that they had shot down an American MQ-9 reconnaissance and combat drone while it was carrying out hostile activities in the skies over Al-Baidha Governorate. 

This is the 5th drone they have shot down since the beginning of the operations in support of Gaza. Days ago, the Armed Forces announced downing a US drone of the same type in Marib.

The Spokesman for the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said in a statement that Yemeni air defenses managed to shoot down an American MQ-9 drone on Tuesday in Al-Baidha Governorate.

The statement indicated that the drone was targeted with a locally-made surface-to-air missile and that footage of the shootdown will be distributed later.

The statement affirmed the full readiness of the Armed Forces at all levels on land, sea and air, and that all enemy attempts will fail and the Armed Forces will be on the lookout for it.

Yemen's military has repeatedly targeted MQ-9 drones, including during operations supporting the Palestinian cause since last October. In a recent interception in Sa'adah province, Yemeni forces successfully targeted an American MQ-9 conducting hostile activities, signaling the effectiveness of Yemen's Air Defense capabilities across its airspace.

This successful interception challenges Washington's assumption that Yemen's Air Defenses are concentrated only in specific areas, reinforcing Yemen's ability to defend its airspace comprehensively and deal significant blows to hostile threats.

Specifications of the MQ-9 Drone

The MQ-9 drone represents one of the latest advancements in American unmanned aircraft technology, boasting impressive specifications and capabilities. Primarily designed for monitoring, surveillance, and ground attack missions, this drone is equipped with cutting-edge features that enhance its operational effectiveness. It is outfitted with laser-guided missiles and bombs, enabling precise targeting capabilities, and has the capacity to carry a diverse range of payloads.

With an empty weight of 2,223 kg and a weight of 4,760 kg when loaded with munitions, the MQ-9 drone combines agility with power. It can reach impressive speeds of up to 482 km/h, allowing for swift response in critical situations. The cost of a single drone is estimated at $11.5 million, while a tactical unit, comprising the drone itself, a control room, missiles, and additional equipment, has an approximate value of $30 million.

The drone's armament capacity is notable, with a carrying capability of laser-guided missiles and bombs weighing up to 1.7 tons. Specifically, it can accommodate 4 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 2 GBU-12 Paveway II bombs with GPS laser guidance, and has the option to include AIM-92 Stinger missiles. Its engine, a Honeywell TPE-331-10T with 900 horsepower (670 kW), ensures reliable performance during missions.

With a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, the MQ-9 can operate at high altitudes, providing a comprehensive aerial perspective. Its endurance surpasses 40 continuous hours, enabling extended missions without the need for frequent refueling. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive range of over 2,000 kilometers, delivering exceptional operational flexibility.

The MQ-9 drone's advanced specifications and capabilities make it an incredibly versatile aircraft suitable for a wide array of military applications. Its cutting-edge technology, combined with its range, endurance, and armament capacity, solidify its position as a valuable asset in modern warfare scenarios.

The downing of this type of aircraft demonstrates the high capability of the Yemeni Armed Forces and their Air Defenses, as well as their noticeable development in recent years.