A low-observable unmanned aerial vehicle has been observed in the airspace over Greece, with very limited official information available. Based on current assessments, the platform is believed to be the RQ-180, which is typically associated with high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Reports indicate that the aircraft was spotted during daylight hours near the city of Larisa in eastern Greece.
The UAV is widely considered to have been developed by Scaled Composites, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman. According to open-source information, the platform is equipped with advanced self-protection and electronic warfare capabilities.
Unlike earlier generations of reconnaissance UAVs, the RQ-180 is believed to incorporate advanced low-observability features. In particular, it is associated with a flying wing aerodynamic configuration, similar to that of the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber. This design is generally intended to reduce detectability by modern radar systems and integrated air defense networks.
As the program remains classified, official specifications are largely unavailable. However, reports indicate that the platform is equipped with advanced sensor suites for signals intelligence, electronic surveillance, and high-resolution imaging, enabling the collection of critical data in complex operational environments.
The system is thought to have entered service in the mid-2010s and to play a significant role in supporting U.S. intelligence capabilities in regions where more conventional platforms, such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk, may be more susceptible to detection.
The large yet low-observable flying-wing UAV was first observed near Larisa Air Base – also known as Larisa National Airport – on March 18. Local observer Efthimios Siakaras published two additional videos providing a clearer view of the aircraft in flight, one recorded on Sunday and the other on Monday, according to The War Zone.
Within the Larisa facility, two separate hangars are located at a distance from the main airfield infrastructure. It has been suggested that these structures may have been built to support discreet UAV operations. At the same time, it is known that U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones stationed at the base use different hangars situated to the north, as confirmed by satellite imagery. Analysis of historical satellite data indicates that the more remote hangars were constructed only a few years ago, as noted by The Aviationist.
In operational terms, the RQ-180 is believed to be capable of operating at very high altitudes, likely exceeding 18,000 meters, and remaining airborne for extended periods, potentially over 24 hours depending on mission requirements. Its low observability is likely achieved not only through its aerodynamic design but also through the use of radar-absorbing materials and careful management of thermal and electromagnetic emissions, complicating detection across multiple sensing methods.
Although specific deployment areas are not officially disclosed, the platform is generally associated with missions in strategically significant regions where stealth and long endurance are critical.
One of the key assumed roles of the RQ-180 is signals intelligence and support for electronic warfare operations. It is believed to be equipped with advanced sensor suites capable of intercepting communications, tracking radar emissions, and building a detailed electronic picture of an adversary’s air defense systems.
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Source: interestingengineering