An American MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone went off radar on February 22 over the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft had taken off from a base in the United Arab Emirates. It was operating near Iranian territory at the time. But, it came back on radar soon after.
According to the latest available tracking data, the drone had flown across parts of the Middle East and was nearing the Saudi Arabian coast, after flying through the breadth of the country. The development came amid heightened regional tensions, including reports of strikes on Riyadh.
What is the MQ-4C Triton?
The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. It has been developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Navy under the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) programme. It is also operated by the Royal Australian Air Force.
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The Triton is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It mainly monitors vast ocean and coastal regions. It works alongside the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
Capabilities and role
The drone can fly for more than 24 hours continuously. It operates at altitudes above 50,000 feet. Its range is around 13,680 kilometres.
US officials have previously described the Triton as a key surveillance platform. They have said that "the Triton isn't just eyes in the sky-it's a data fusion hub relaying real-time intelligence to commanders and allied forces," as per WION.
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Officials have also stated that the aircraft helps monitor naval movements and provides persistent surveillance rather than escalation.
Earlier tracking data showed another Triton flight over the Middle East on February 14, though it followed a different route.
