NewsUS MQ-9 Reaper drone makes emergency landing in Poland
US MQ‑9 Reaper drone makes emergency landing in Poland
An unarmed American MQ9 Reaper drone lost connection with its base in Mirosławiec, as reported by the General Command of the Armed Forces. An emergency landing was necessary, successfully executed after 5 PM ET.
12:14 PM EDT, March 19, 2024
This incident came to light through RMF FM, with confirmation from the General Command coming around 4:25 PM ET.
Following the loss of connection, the drone was directed to make an emergency landing in the vicinity of Mirosławiec. It touched down in a secure, uninhabited area to ensure safety.
### Lost connection with the drone
The drone, part of the American forces, was engaged in a scheduled quarterly training exercise when it unexpectedly lost contact with the base in Mirosławiec, West Pomeranian Voivodeship.
RMF FM reported that the drone began to circle over the Mirosławiec airport. Local police took immediate action, blocking roads between Mirosławiec and Wałcz to secure the area.
Security measures were swiftly implemented. The police, in their efforts to ensure public safety, restricted access on roads between Mirosławiec and Wałcz, and security personnel had the area beyond the airport perimeter under control. This was to prepare for the possibility that the drone could not be landed back at the base.
The MQ-9 Reaper, with its impressive wingspan, is a key asset of the American unmanned air fleet, primarily used by the US Air Force and the RAF. Since March 1, 2019, the Reaper base in Mirosławiec has been operational.
