The US Air Force confirmed on the 25th that it is attempting to recover an MQ-9 "Reaper" drone belonging to a US military wing stationed in South Korea, which recently crashed near the coastal waters of Gunsan.

A US military spokesperson stated that the drone has not yet been retrieved, and the cause of the crash as well as the extent of damage remain under investigation.

The MQ-9 is one of the most expensive and advanced drones in the US arsenal, with an average unit cost of $28 million in 2022. As a reconnaissance and strike-capable unmanned aerial vehicle, it typically operates at altitudes above 12,000 meters, conducting surveillance missions while also being equipped to carry missiles for ground attacks.

The 8th Fighter Wing, under the US 7th Air Force stationed in South Korea, reported that the MQ-9 drone, assigned to the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, crashed during a routine mission at approximately 4:35 AM local time on the 24th. No civilian property damage or injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation.