It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by IAMTAT
FACTS:
1.) The drone was unarmed.
2.) The drone was over International waters/outside of Iranian airspace
3.) The drone was not hit...and returned safely
Is this an 'Act of War'?...It's certainly an Act of Aggression'!
WHAT will Barry-O do?
edit on 8-11-2012 by IAMTAT because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by butcherguy
I guess they fly them as interceptors in the Iranian Air Force?
Originally posted by tommyjo
Originally posted by butcherguy
I guess they fly them as interceptors in the Iranian Air Force?
They aren't operated by the Iranian Air Force (IRIAF). The use and action against the Predator might be explained by the fact that the Iranian Su-25s are operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force (IRGC AF).
Revolutionary Guard single-seater Su-25
www.airliners.net...
Revolutionary Guard two-seater Su-25
www.airliners.net...
The Revolutionary Guard force compared to the regular Iranian forces have a habit of being that bit more hot headed in their encounters with Coalition forces in the Gulf.
Originally posted by bigfatfurrytexan
why does anyone believe anything about this story?
Did it really happen? I mean, is there a real basis?
Were we really in international airspace?
I mean, this is the kind of story my 14 year old tells me when he is just as guilty, but wants to be the victim instead.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said the aircraft fired multiple rounds at the Predator drone and followed it for at least several miles as it moved farther away from Iranian airspace. "We believe that they fired at least twice and made at least two passes," he said. International airspace begins after 12 nautical miles and Little said the drone at no point entered Iranian airspace. Last year, a crashed CIA drone was recovered inside Iran.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was quickly notified of the incident, as were members of Congress and the White House, Little added. The United States also sent Iran a warning through diplomatic channels, saying it would defend its military assets and would keep sending aircraft on such surveillance operations. "There is absolutely no precedence for this," Little said. "This is the first time that a (drone) has been fired upon to our knowledge by Iranian aircraft."
Many questions about the incident remain, including why Iranian warplanes could not manage - if they wanted - to shoot down an unarmed drone, which lacks advanced capabilities to outmaneuver them. Asked whether the Iranian aircraft were simply firing warning shots, Little said: "Our working assumption is that they fired to take it down. You'll have to ask the Iranians why they engaged in this action."