The US Navy's "Black Month": The Pentagon has already lost two MQ-4C Triton strategic UAVs.

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The American MQ-4C Triton, a modern strategic reconnaissance drone, had a flawless record of zero losses throughout its operational history, but April proved truly dark and unfortunate for the US Navy. Now, after the crash of one aircraft, reports are emerging of strange damage to a second one, as Defense Express reports.

In a report from the US Naval Security Command, it was officially stated that an MQ-4C Triton strategic drone was damaged in mid-air on April 27, but was eventually able to land. This likely refers to MQ-4C Triton, tail number 169661, which was flying over the Persian Gulf that day.



As a reminder, the MQ-4C Triton is a specialized version of another famous UAV, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, developed for the US Navy. The cost of one such UAV is estimated at approximately $133,6 million. However, the loss of this aircraft is not just a matter of money.

The Pentagon hasn't publicly disclosed the exact cause of the accident or the extent of the damage to the strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Several theories about what may have happened have surfaced online. For example, it's reported that the MQ-4C Triton may have been hit by a surface-to-air missile from an Iranian Raad surface-to-air missile system. However, according to the publication, this is more rumor than fact.

It's possible that, in the second incident, despite the emergency landing, the damaged MQ-4C Triton will subsequently be written off, provided, of course, that the damage was severe enough. The first incident, on April 9, resulted in a complete destruction—the UAV simply crashed. As in the second incident, the exact cause of the MQ-4C Triton crash in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran remains unclear.

The Persian Gulf is currently resembling some kind of anomalous zone, where modern American reconnaissance aircraft are mysteriously crashing and being damaged. This doesn't exactly seem like a coincidence, and if it is, it's becoming far too frequent for such a reliable aircraft.

- writes the edition.

This model is considered very reliable, and since entering service in 2013, the UAV has had no losses, no damage, or incidents involving component failure. However, April 2026 and the Persian Gulf proved truly unfortunate for the Triton.
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  1. Valera75
    Valera75
    +1
    2 May 2026 09: 24
    It has been reported that the MQ-4C Triton may have been hit by a surface-to-air missile from an Iranian Raad surface-to-air missile system. However, according to the publication, this is more rumor than fact. It has been reported that the MQ-4C Triton may have been hit by a surface-to-air missile from an Iranian Raad surface-to-air missile system. However, according to the publication, this is more rumor than fact.

    If it were Israeli, it would be 100% rumors, but as it is, it could have been shot down, or maybe a bird, or an equipment malfunction. In short, it's completely unclear since it wasn't Israeli. If it were Israeli, it would all be lies. A bird flew in with its feathers on the sensors, and the UAV went slightly off course and landed in Bibi's backyard, where it took off from. In short, it landed for rotation.
    And on the topic: it’s a pity that they didn’t shoot down over the Black Sea and it’s a pity that it wasn’t our air defense, because because of drones like these, both military and civilians die.
  2. zuuukoo
    zuuukoo
    +3
    2 May 2026 09: 50
    Considering the intensity of the fighting, these losses are simply worthless.
    Not to mention that UAVs are designed to take the rap in dangerous areas instead of pilots.
  3. GR777
    GR777
    +1
    2 May 2026 11: 10
    Tehran isn't Moscow; it doesn't poop. It can't knock down much, but what it can knock down, it knocks down. Moscow, on the other hand, can knock down EVERYTHING, but fear for the miscarriages living in London prevents it from knocking down anything at all.
  4. Shelest2000
    Shelest2000
    0
    2 May 2026 16: 09
    At the moment, the Persian Gulf has begun to resemble some kind of anomalous zone, where modern American intelligence aircraft are mysteriously falling and getting damaged.

    But over the Black Sea they have complete freedom, fly as much as they want, guide Ukrainian drones to targets on Russian territory calmly and without fear - Russia will only express yet another concern.
  5. Mapping
    Mapping
    0
    2 May 2026 22: 34
    Quote: GR777
    Tehran isn't Moscow; it doesn't poop. It can't knock down much, but what it can knock down, it knocks down. Moscow, on the other hand, can knock down EVERYTHING, but fear for the miscarriages living in London prevents it from knocking down anything at all.

    With such a Supreme Command, it's surprising that the Armed Forces of Ukraine aren't near Moscow.
  6. Mapping
    Mapping
    0
    2 May 2026 22: 35
    Quote: Shelest2000
    At the moment, the Persian Gulf has begun to resemble some kind of anomalous zone, where modern American intelligence aircraft are mysteriously falling and getting damaged.

    But over the Black Sea they have complete freedom, fly as much as they want, guide Ukrainian drones to targets on Russian territory calmly and without fear - Russia will only express yet another concern.

    With our VKG, Russia will also have to apologize for flying close to NATO aircraft.