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Video of mysterious drone allegedly flying over Lebanon sparks speculation about secret Israeli RA-01 Stealth drone

Posted on by Josh L
Video of mysterious drone allegedly flying over Lebanon sparks speculation about secret Israeli RA-01 Stealth drone

A closer look at the drone footage, which is claimed to be Israel’s secret RA-01 stealth drone.

The low-resolution video, likely recorded from a considerable distance with a smartphone, was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 28, 2024. The account that first posted the clip claims it was filmed the same day in Lebanon.

Since publication, footage and screenshots of the mysterious drone have been widely shared on social media, fueling speculation that the Israeli RA-01 drone, whose existence was recently revealed, may have been spotted.

During this analysis, we will examine the video in detail, see if the drone’s appearance matches the RA-01 specifications by evaluating any unique visual elements, and try to verify if the video looks authentic or possibly digital. We’ll also compare it to other stealth drones like the RQ-180 to see if there are design similarities.

The video has a duration of about 15 seconds and a high frame rate of about 60 FPS. The footage shows an unmanned aerial vehicle with a low stable flight path. It seems that the design of the aircraft resembles a stealth UAV RQ-180characterized by a sleek elongated fuselage and a long-span flying wing with a straight trailing edge.

A few key points

The drone flies unusually low, especially for a stealth aircraft designed to avoid detection. This low altitude will increase its visibility, making it easier for ground observers to shoot, which is quite atypical for stealth drones, which usually operate at high altitudes to remain undetected. In addition, a stealth UAV is more suitable for covert long-range missions deep in enemy airspace, and not for flights over Lebanon, where the Israeli Air Force has long demonstrated the ability to act with impunitywithout the need for low visibility (LO) assets. Combined with its flight in broad daylight, these factors raise questions about whether the drone is indeed RA-01, as well as the authenticity of the setting or even the possibility of a deliberate display.

The aircraft has some similarities with the RQ-180. However, there are some differences in outline details, particularly around the wings and the tapering of the fuselage, which could either indicate a new model or indicate visual inaccuracies if the footage has been altered. The drone should also be much smaller than the RQ-180 (which was previously spotted flying at high altitude).

It is almost impossible to tell if a video has been digitally altered. Lighting and shadows look even, which can be difficult to reproduce naturally, especially when flying in variable daylight, but other than that and the absence of some subtle bumps due to atmospheric conditions that you might find in some real-world footage, there’s little to indicate , that potential CGI.

Furthermore, it remains unconfirmed whether the footage was actually recorded on October 28, 2024 or off the coast of Lebanon as claimed. Without geolocation or additional confirmation, the background of the scene can be easily copied or changed.

That being said, while the aircraft’s design bears some resemblance to known stealth UAVs, its low-altitude flight in broad daylight and its appearance only days after reports of the UAV’s existence cast doubt on the video’s legitimacy. With no official confirmation about the RA-01 drone, speculation remains high, leaving the role and origin of this mysterious aircraft shrouded in mystery.

Some speculated that the video might show the Orbiter 5 drone, but the design of the Orbiter UAV family looks different. After all, it’s almost impossible to tell if it’s RA-01, another unknown type, or something else whose shape looks distorted in the low-res video.

Background on RA-01

Rumors about the existence of a secret Israeli drone, allegedly called the RA-01, began to circulate last week after the alleged leak of classified US documents from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). The documents, now widely circulated on social media, claim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may operate a fleet of advanced stealth UAVs capable of long-range missions. The RA-01, if it exists, is likely intended for both reconnaissance and potential combat operations, enhancing Israel’s strategic reach in the region, particularly through the ability to gather intelligence or conduct operations in remote locations such as Iran.

Details about the RA-01 remain elusive, and there is no confirmation of its design or operational capabilities from official sources. Observers speculate that Israel’s robust UAV industry could indeed produce such a drone, as the country has a long history of developing advanced radar-evading UAVs. According to A report by Combat zonethe RA-01 designation hints that it could be a multi-role platform for both surveillance and combat, potentially expanding Israel’s air capabilities alongside more traditional defense systems.

Some reports suggest that the RA-01 may be based at Israel’s Ramon Air Base in the Negev desert, where satellite images purportedly show structures that may be designed to store and deploy the unique aircraft. While leaked documents hint at possible operational use of the RA-01, including an alleged close connection to Israel’s preparations for missile defense scenarios, physical evidence for the drone remains scant. Given Israel’s focus on advanced deterrence support, it is likely that the RA-01 or a similar platform could already be used in limited numbers, perhaps in missions over the Middle East.

There is a possibility that a secret stealth drone was involved the recent strike on Iran.

At the same time, it is worth recalling that information about the presence or capabilities of the RA-01 may well be part of a deliberate disinformation strategy. Some experts suggest that even the US documents may contain inaccuracies or strategic exaggerations.