Israeli Newspaper Warns of Growing Risk of Houthis Intercepting Manned Aircraft After Downing 8 U.S. MQ-9 Drones
NYN | Reports and analyses
The Israeli economic newspaper Globes warned that the ongoing fighting against the Houthis in Yemen increases the chances of the group achieving significant breakthroughs in air defense capabilities against manned aircraft, after they successfully shot down eight MQ-9 drones in less than a year.
In a report published on Sunday, the newspaper commented on the announcement by Sanaa’s forces on Saturday night about the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the skies of Marib. The report pointed out that this drone is the latest in a series of MQ-9 aircraft, valued at $30 million each, shot down since November last year.
The newspaper highlighted that this is not the first time the Houthis have intercepted these drones, noting that five were already reported to have been intercepted by May. It confirmed that the Houthis have caused the U.S. an estimated $150 million in damages by downing these drones up to that point.
The report added that despite the significant technological advancements of the MQ-9 drones, the Houthis have successfully intercepted them multiple times.
It explained that the Houthis have amassed a variety of air defense systems over the past decade, including Soviet-era models like the SA-9, which they acquired after seizing the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
In conclusion, the Israeli newspaper warned that the continued fighting against the Houthis could escalate the risks of them achieving significant air defense breakthroughs, including the interception of manned aircraft.
It is worth noting that the MQ-9 drone is one of the most advanced U.S. drones, equipped with high-tech features such as an advanced radar system and high-resolution cameras and sensors capable of scanning an area with a 360-degree view.
The drone is capable of performing multiple missions, including surveillance and reconnaissance, and can also be used as a missile launcher in combat. It is equipped to carry a wide range of laser-guided missiles and bombs, making it suitable for targeting “high-value, mobile, and sensitive” targets as well as stationary ones, thanks to its advanced weapons systems and long-endurance capabilities.
The drone can carry four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and two 82-class bombs with a laser-guided GPS system, and tests are underway to equip it with AIM-92 Stinger missiles.
Military observers believe that the downing of the MQ-9 drone, which the Americans boast about and refer to with names like “Predator” and “Hunter-Killer,” reflects the growing capabilities of Sanaa’s forces. The ability to shoot down this highly advanced drone requires complex technology that only a few countries possess.
With Sanaa achieving this feat, the gap in air superiority between Sanaa and Washington narrows, as the U.S. relies on these drones in military operations around the world. This development suggests that Sanaa may soon advance further in its ability to down even more advanced American fighter jets, enhancing its ability to defend Yemen’s airspace and territory from any external violations or attacks, according to observers.
