WATCH | IRGC air defenses down 55th US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Strait of Hormuz Iranian air defense units shot down a high-value US MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and strike drone over the eastern skies of the Strait of Hormuz, according to IRNA. Footage shows the precise moment a surface-to-air missile struck the advanced unmanned aerial vehicle, which was operating under US command in the strategic maritime corridor. The interception was carried out during a night operation by a modern air defense system operated by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, guided under the country's integrated air defense network. IRGC command confirmed that the drone was tracked and engaged immediately upon breaching restricted airspace over the critical energy transit route. This latest engagement brings the total number of US MQ-9 Reaper drones shot down by regional air defense networks to 55, marking a severe operational and financial blow to the US military's aerial surveillance fleet in the region. Iranian defense officials reiterated that any unauthorized military intrusion into the sovereign airspace surrounding the Strait of Hormuz will continue to meet swift, unyielding counter-strikes by the nation's unified defense network.