Iran downed at least 2 unmanned American aircraft in recent days, U.S. officials say
Updated on: September 17, 2026 / 5:07 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Iranian forces have reportedly shot down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft.
- U.S. officials confirmed the incidents to CBS News on condition of anonymity.
- The specific type of MQ-1 variant and location of the incidents are unknown.
- MQ-1 variants, such as the Predator and Gray Eagle, are used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and can carry missiles.
- These drones are valuable for monitoring the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian military activity.
- The cost of lost MQ-1 Predators could be around $8 million total, while Gray Eagles are more expensive.
- The article also references losses of MQ-9 Reapers and an MQ-4C Triton, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
- U.S. Central Command declined to comment on the report.