IRAN SHOOTS DOWN THE SEVENTEENTH US MQ-9 REAPER DRONE: TAIWAN LEFT WITHOUT AIRCRAFT AND THE PENTAGON WITHOUT ANSWERS

The blow is colossal. Iranian forces confirmed the downing of the 17th US MQ-9 Reaper drone within the war that began on February 28, a figure that has already escalated to 24 aircraft lost according to Pentagon sources cited by CBS News. Losses exceed 3 billion dollars.

The confirmation came alongside footage also documenting the shoot-down of an F-15 and an F-16 fighter jet between April 2 and 3. Iranian infrared-guided air defense systems, short and medium range, are putting US and Israeli air power in check with asymmetric tactics.

The collateral damage surprised the world. Republic of China (Taiwan) sources warn that the massive destruction of Reaper drones will seriously delay the delivery of four units already contracted by Taipei, each valued at over 171 million dollars. Washington will prioritize replenishing its own losses before fulfilling allies’ orders.