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How the US lost a $240 million drone in the Strait of Hormuz

2026-04-17 07:42:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

How the US lost a $240 million drone in the Strait of Hormuz

The US Navy is in dire straits after losing one of its most expensive drones over the Persian Gulf last week.

The incident was revealed in a report issued by the Maritime Security Command, which announced that an MQ-4C Triton drone crashed on April 9. The location of the crash is being kept secret for operational security reasons.

According to FlightRadar24 data analyzed by CNN, the MQ-4C took off from Sigonella Air Base in Italy and disappeared over the Persian Gulf on April 9. The aircraft was flying over the Strait of Hormuz and, as it left the airspace over the strait, it crashed before losing radar contact.

Records show that the Triton transmitted "code 7400" during its flight, meaning it had lost contact with its operator on the ground, and then code 7700, indicating an emergency, about 70 minutes later. It continued to transmit the same emergency signal until it disappeared from radar.

Manufacturer Northrop Grumman calls the Triton spy drone the world's leading unmanned aerial vehicle for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. With a range of 8,500 miles, the MQ-4C can stay in the air for more than 24 hours.

This drone is one of the rarest aircraft in the Navy fleet and also one of the most expensive, at $240 million each, more than double the price of a stealth F-35C fighter jet.





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