Video shows MQ-9 Reaper attempting to shoot down unidentified aerial object with Hellfire off Yemen

A video disclosed at a congressional UAP hearing shows an MQ‑9 Reaper on Oct. 30, 2024, off the coast of Yemen launching an AGM‑114 Hellfire at an unidentified aerial object. The footage appears to show the missile striking or "bouncing" off the object, failing to destroy it.

Discovered 2025-09-09T08:59:34.462711-07:00 | 2025-09-09T08:59:34.462711-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Documents a rare, public example of an armed MALE UAS employing kinetic force — an MQ‑9 launched an AGM‑114 Hellfire at an unidentified object on Oct. 30, 2024, off Yemen, providing direct evidence of operational engagement decisions.
Underscores urgency around layered counter‑UAS and interceptor capability development; see recent demonstrations of the Army’s Apache counter‑UAS capability and broader moves toward low‑cost interceptors and guided munitions (Army Apache counter‑UAS capability, US Air Force adopts laser‑guided rockets for low‑cost counter‑drone missions).
Adds operational context and sustainment implications for the MQ‑9 fleet in light of recent Reaper incidents and losses (Unexplained propeller attachment failure blamed for $13M MQ‑9 Reaper loss in Mediterranean).

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