After nearly two weeks of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian ballistic missile and air defense infrastructure, verified footage from inside Iran has begun to shed light on apparent Israeli drone losses.
Though Israel has mostly remained silent about any setbacks during its recent military campaign, several confirmed photos and videos geolocated across central and western Iran provide a partial account of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) losses sustained during operations against Iranian targets. To date, no evidence suggests Israel has lost any manned aircraft.
At least eight Israeli drones are believed to have been downed or crashed inside Iranian territory.
The first verified incident involved a Hermes 900 UAV with serial number 997, which reportedly went down near Isfahan in central Iran. The Israeli-made drone is designed for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Another Hermes 900 was shot down in Lorestan Province, western Iran, according to visuals released from the area.
A third Hermes 900, bearing serial number 939, was also destroyed in the Markazi Province, west of Tehran. These three Hermes-class UAVs represent some of the more advanced assets in Israel’s drone fleet, capable of operating at high altitudes and carrying multi-sensor payloads.
Among the largest Israeli UAVs confirmed lost is the IAI Eitan, a heavy-haul, long-range drone developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. Iranian state-affiliated media published footage showing the Eitan being brought down over western Iran, a region that has hosted multiple Israeli strikes in recent days.
In addition, remains of two IAI Heron UAVs—serial numbers 298 and 248—were discovered by residents in Lorestan Province. Photos of the debris circulated online, appearing consistent with Israeli design features and production markings.
Iran shares footage showing the destruction of an Israeli IAI Heron reconnaissance-strike UAV near the Iran-Iraq border.
The drone, numbered 298, was reportedly shot down by a short-range Majdid air defense system. pic.twitter.com/F7RGRjNlIc
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 26, 2025
Two more drones of unknown models were also reportedly found near the city of Kashan.
An Israeli drone strike was reportedly shot down in the city of Kashan, Iran. pic.twitter.com/OvHXe4z8bB
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) June 21, 2025
One of them, based on structural characteristics and serial number 8373, is believed to be a newer variant of the Orbiter drone series, which is used for tactical reconnaissance and real-time target acquisition.
The scope of Israel’s campaign remains unclear, but it has targeted Iranian missile facilities, air defense systems, and command nodes over the past eleven days. Iran has responded by activating various layers of its air defense network, including domestically produced radars and interceptors.
Iran has seized on the incidents as a propaganda opportunity, broadcasting videos and statements from military officials who claim to have successfully repelled Israeli incursions. Tehran continues to frame the campaign as evidence of its ability to deter foreign attacks on strategic infrastructure.