Videos and satellite images show Iran's drone army puncturing U.S. and allied defenses
The weapon’s versatility may allow Iran to prolong the war by straining enemy resources. Iran is a pioneer of the technology, which it sold to Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Over 30 open-source videos and satellite images verified by NBC News showing Iranian drone strikes and interceptions by the U.S. and its allies across seven countries. Apparent targets include military bases, transportation hubs, energy infrastructure and diplomatic centers. In 21 of 26 videos, drones appear to reach their targets.
The videos, posted on various online platforms, reveal a pattern of inadequate protection for strategic locations targeted by the drones from the outset of the war. As the U.S. and Israel bombard Iran with the stated goal of crippling its nuclear, ballistic and drone capabilities, Iran retaliates by utilizing its arsenal of missiles and cheap exploding drones.
The drones are a novel challenge for the U.S., its allies and the countries caught in the crossfire. Adversaries will be watching America’s response closely.
The weapon’s versatility may allow Iran to prolong the war by straining enemy resources, a tactic attractive for cash-strapped states, experts say. Iran is a pioneer of the technology, which it sold to Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has challenged the economics of warfare. While the U.S. remains firm in its air dominance, Iran’s drone campaign has forced the targeted countries to use expensive munitions for interceptions.
Videos and satellite images show Iran's drone army puncturing U.S. and allied defenses
An NBC News analysis of 30 videos and satellite images shows Iranian drones are presenting a new type of struggle for the U.S. and its allies.
