US military embarrassed as catastrophic drone disaster costs millions of dollars

According to the US Fifth Fleet, based in the the Persian Gulf, the drone hit debris during its accession leading to major damage to its port side. The Hawk systems are believed to have either been flown into Libya or taken by sea. The incident is thought to have caused at least $2 million (£1.5 million) in damage to the unmanned ship. This is classed as a category of Class A mishap.

The Navy didn’t give a specific price tag for the repairs – but it is reported they paid $23 million (£17 million) for the drone.

However, according to USNI, its current value is $180 million (£135 million).

The US Navy had modified five of the drones, also known as Global Hawks.

They do not fly from a carrier and have a 130-foot wingspan.

They can remain in flight for up to 30 hours, potentially covering around 9,000 miles, hitting 65,000 feet in height.

One of the drones was shot down by Iran in June, in circumstances which are still contested.

Tehran maintains the drone invaded Iranian airspace, while the US maintain the plane was over neutral waters when struck.

Another drone was destroyed when it crashed during a test in 2012.

This story comes after the SAS was called in this month to support an MI6 operation to establish whether anti-government forces in Libya are using weapons sold by the United Arab Emirates, Middle Eastern nations and Russia.

Tehran maintains the drone invaded Iranian airspace, while the US maintain the plane was over neutral waters when struck.

Another drone was destroyed when it crashed during a test in 2012.

This story comes after the SAS was called in this month to support an MI6 operation to establish whether anti-government forces in Libya are using weapons sold by the United Arab Emirates, Middle Eastern nations and Russia.

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But Britain operates surveillance aircraft off Libya – part of a multi-national operation to monitor migration across the Mediterranean.

And chiefs fear Haftar does not possess full control of his forces.

As an SAS team joined US and Italian Special Forces to source “on the ground” evidence, US, Italian and UK diplomats sent a message to Haftar that his weapons systems would be destroyed if used again.

Britain, America and Italy supply a range of military equipment to the UAE and Jordan.

But this is on the basis it will not be sold on to a third party.

Famously Gatwick was brought to a halt this time last year when a drone was flown over the airport bringing it to a standstill.

A couple was arrested and released without charge after 36 hours of questioning.