U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Crashes into Yellow Sea during Routine Mission

A U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed into the Yellow Sea early Monday morning while conducting a routine mission.

The 8th Fighter Wing under the U.S. 7th Air Force said the aircraft, operated by the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron from Kunsan Air Base, “was involved in an incident.” It later went down in waters off Maldo-ri Island near Okdo-myeon in Gunsan, North Jeolla, at about 4:35 a.m.

A spokesperson for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said there were no injuries or damage to public property, adding that an investigation is under way.

South Korean media reported that the drone experienced technical issues and became uncontrollable during a reconnaissance mission. Citing onlookers, the reports said the aircraft may have been deliberately brought down over the sea to avoid further complications during its planned return to base.

The crash follows USFK’s confirmation in September that MQ-9 Reapers would be permanently deployed to the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. Congressional Research Service estimates each MQ-9 to cost between $300 million and $330 million.

While the platform is primarily used for reconnaissance, the Reaper can also carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The units deployed to Gunsan were expected to monitor North Korea and support intelligence collection related to China.

In its September announcement, the 8th Fighter Wing said, “MQ-9 operations will support U.S.-Korean priorities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the Indo-Pacific Theater, enhancing the joint capability to respond to threats and emerging situations while strengthening our alliance.”