Greek spotters have published detailed photos of the secret U.S. RQ-180 drone
High-quality photos and videos have appeared online showing the RQ-180 strategic reconnaissance UAV flying over Larissa Air Base in Greece. The aircraft, which until recently was considered semi-mythical due to the lack of clear images, resembles the B-2 and B-21 stealth bombers in terms of its dimensions and "flying wing" aerodynamic configuration.
This was reported by The War Zone.
In the released footage, analysts noted two large apertures for electro-optical sensors in the lower part of the fuselage, indicating the drone’s capability to conduct multispectral reconnaissance over long distances. The design of the Northrop Grumman-developed aircraft features a wingspan of about 40 meters, allowing it to remain airborne for over 24 hours at altitudes of up to 18 km. Experts estimate that the drone’s operational range could reach 22,000 kilometers, making it a key tool for U.S. global surveillance.
The RQ-180 development program was long funded from the classified budget of the U.S. Air Force, and its first flight took place back in 2010. Production models began entering service in 2017, but it was their deployment in the Middle East and presence in the Eastern Mediterranean that prompted the Pentagon to use the drone more frequently in open skies. The appearance of such a high-tech reconnaissance asset in the region signals NATO’s readiness to monitor threats in conflict zones, particularly in the context of Russian aggression and activity in the Middle East. Currently, U.S. officials are not commenting on the details of the RQ-180 mission in Greece; however, the activity of observers has allowed for the first detailed examination of the structural elements of this “invisible” aircraft. Experts note that the use of such equipment significantly shifts the balance of power in the realm of real-time strategic intelligence gathering. The detection of the UAV over Greece confirms that the secret aircraft has entered full-scale operational service.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point, known for developing the “Flamingo” cruise missile, has successfully tested the FP-7 ballistic missile.
The Ukrainian defense company Fire Point is finalizing preparations for the adoption of the new FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles.
In January, the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out a series of strikes on the Kapustin Yar test range in Russia, from where the occupiers were launching Oreshnik missiles at Ukrainian positions.
