Iran releases video claiming to show captured US Reaper, Israeli Hermes drones

Iran has released footage showing what it says are the wreckage of US MQ-9 Reaper and Israeli Hermes 900 drones, portraying the remains as evidence of its air defence capabilities during the ongoing conflict. The claims, however, have not been independently verified.

Iranian state media showed the aircraft remains inside an underground display, but the footage does not establish when or where the drones were brought down or whether all the wreckage shown resulted from shoot-downs.

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Iran displays alleged US, Israeli drone wreckage

The MQ-9 Reaper is a US-made unmanned aircraft used for long-range surveillance and armed missions. The Hermes 900, manufactured by Israel's Elbit Systems, is designed for extended intelligence and surveillance operations.

The latest footage follows previous Iranian claims that its forces had downed US and Israeli drones. In April, Tehran said an Israeli Hermes 900 and a US MQ-9 had been shot down in Isfahan province. Those claims could not be immediately verified in reports at the time.

Drone costs

The US MQ-9 Reaper is a high-value unmanned aircraft, with individual systems costing up to $34 million. An Israeli Hermes 900 drone can cost up to several million dollars, depending on its configuration.

Iran highlights air defence capabilities

Tehran has increasingly pointed to its air defence systems as evidence that it can challenge advanced US and Israeli aircraft.

Iran previously said its newly revealed Arash-e Kamangir system had been used to intercept a hostile drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media have provided limited technical information about the system, while reports have described it as a new air defence platform capable of detecting and engaging aircraft and drones.

The earlier Iranian claim that the system had downed a US MQ-9 near the Strait of Hormuz also remained unverified.

Drones play key role in ongoing conflict

The latest images appear intended to reinforce Tehran's message that its airspace remains contested despite the technological advantage of US and Israeli forces.

The footage also underscores the role of drones in the conflict. Both the MQ-9 Reaper and Hermes 900 can remain airborne for extended periods, enabling operators to monitor large areas and support military operations without directly exposing pilots to danger.



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Iran claims hundreds of drones destroyed

Iran has repeatedly claimed that its forces have destroyed large numbers of US and Israeli drones. Iranian state media reported in July that hundreds of drones, including MQ-9 Reapers and Hermes aircraft, had been destroyed. Those figures have not been independently confirmed.

The latest display provides Tehran with a prominent visual representation of its air defence claims, but the images alone do not establish the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft. Independent confirmation of the claims remains limited.