The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that while in the South Red Sea, the Arleigh-Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) shot down an “Iranian-produced KAS-04 unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
“Although its intentions are not known, the UAV was heading toward the warship.”
“KAS-04” is the American designation of the Samad-3 UAV. The Samad-3 is an extended range variant of the Samad platform, which can be used in both ISR or direct kinetic strikes with an 18kg warhead.
CENTCOM added that “At the time of the shoot down, the USS Carney was escorting the USNS SUPPLY (Oiler) and another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to U.S. vessels.”
This latest incident comes amid a series of engagements between the United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, however, there has not been any reports of damage or injuries in any of them.
Last month, the USS Carney intercepted three suspected Iran-backed Houthi rebel cruise missiles and several drones heading towards Israel while in the Red Sea.
