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U.S. MQ-9 Reaper From Kunsan Crashes Off South Korea’s West Coast

Military officials report no injuries and say the cause is under investigation.

An MQ-9 Reaper approaches the runway at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, in support of Freedom Flag 24-1, October 23, 2024. Freedom Flag 24-1 is an advanced, large-scale tactical exercise between the U.S. and allied partners dedicated to the protection of regional peace and stability through the adaptation of novel and collaborative training methods, ensuring readiness against a wide range of threats.
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Overview

  • The drone went down at about 4:35 a.m. near Maldo-ri Island off Gunsan in the Yellow Sea, according to the 8th Fighter Wing.
  • The aircraft was assigned to the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, a unit activated in September for permanent MQ-9 operations.
  • U.S. officials said there was no damage to public property and confirmed an inquiry is underway.
  • Search and salvage efforts to recover the aircraft are in progress, local media reported.
  • Some reports cite possible technical issues and a controlled sea ditching, but those accounts remain unverified pending the investigation.