A closer look at the drone clip claimed to be Israel’s secret RA-01 drone.

A 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 shared the clip claims it was filmed that same day in Lebanon.

Since its posting, images and screenshots showing a mysterious drone have circulated widely on social media, fueling speculation about a possible sighting of the Israeli RA-01 drone, whose existence was recently revealed.

In this review, we’ll examine the video in detail, exploring whether the drone’s appearance matches the RA-01’s reported features, evaluating any unique visuals, and attempting to verify whether the footage appears authentic or possibly digitally altered. We’ll also compare it to other stealth drones like the RQ-180 to understand any design similarities.

تحميلی از پهپاد سبیری سنک‌کار آرتش يسرایل براز لبانان;
In the leaked documents, the United States of America has a spy drone for Israel. pic.twitter.com/Iobs8bpHEG

— شــــبــــح ـــارســی (@Shabahe_Persia) October 28, 2024

Someone seems to have caught Israel’s secret RA-01 drone platform off the coast of Lebanon… this is not an American RQ180, so it is likely that this is the RA-01 drone that is based at Israel’s Ramon Air Base (show below). It is also very likely that these drones took part in operations… pic.twitter.com/2mLsKFMwbj

— VIKTOR (@ViktorNaumenk99) October 28, 2024

The video is about 15 seconds long and has a high frame rate of about 60 FPS. The footage shows an unmanned aircraft in a low and steady trajectory. The aircraft appears to have a design reminiscent of stealth UAVs such as RQ-180characterized by a smooth, elongated fuselage and a wide-span flying wing with a straight trailing edge.

A few key observations

The drone flies unusually low, especially for a stealth aircraft designed to avoid detection. Such a low altitude would increase its visibility, making it easier for observers on the ground to capture images, which is quite atypical for stealth drones that typically operate at high altitudes to remain undetected. Additionally, a stealthy UAV would be better suited for long-range covert missions deep in hostile airspace rather than overflights over Lebanon, where the Israeli Air Force has long demonstrated that the ability to operate with impunitywithout needing Low Observable (LO) assets. Combined with the flight in broad daylight, these factors raise questions about whether the drone is truly RA-01, as well as the authenticity of the decor or even the possibility of a deliberate display.

The aircraft bears some resemblance to the RQ-180. However, there are some differences in outline detail, particularly around the wings and fuselage taper, which could either indicate a new model or indicate visual inaccuracies if the footage is altered. The drone should also be much smaller than the RQ-180 (which has been seen flying at high altitude in the past).

It is almost impossible to determine if the video has been digitally altered. Lighting and shadows appear uniform, which can be difficult to reproduce naturally, especially when flying in varying light, but other than that, it also lacks the subtle irregularities due to atmospheric conditions that you can find in some real images , there is little to suggest potential CGI.

Furthermore, it remains unconfirmed whether this 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 could easily be replicated or altered.

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

Someone suggested that the video might represent an Orbiter 5 drone, but the design of the Orbiter UAV family appears to be different. Finally, it’s nearly impossible to tell if it’s an RA-01, another unknown type, or something else whose shape appears distorted in the low-res clip.

Background on RA-01

Rumors of the existence of a classified Israeli drone, called the RA-01, began circulating last week following the alleged leak of classified US documents from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). These documents, now widely shared on social media, claim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may operate an advanced stealth UAV fleet capable of long-range missions. The RA-01, if it exists, is likely designed for both reconnaissance and potential combat operations, increasing Israel’s strategic reach in the region, particularly with 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 suggest 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 one report of War zonethe RA-01 designation suggests it could be a multi-role platform with both surveillance and combat roles that could advance Israel’s air capabilities alongside more traditional defense systems.

Some reports indicate that the RA-01 may be housed at Israel’s Ramon Air Base in the Negev Desert, where satellite imagery appears to reveal structures possibly dedicated to the storage and single deployment of the aircraft. While leaked documents suggest possible operational use of the RA-01, including an alleged close connection to Israel’s preparations for missile defense scenarios, tangible evidence about the drone remains scarce. Given Israel’s focus on maintaining advanced deterrents, it is plausible that the RA-01 or a similar platform is already in limited operational use, possibly in missions in the Middle East.

Now that the authenticity of these documents has been confirmed, there is one critical detail that needs attention:

“The Israeli Air Force (IAF) continued covert UAV operations on October 15-16. According to image analysis, Israel’s stealthy UAVs enable long-range,… pic.twitter.com/ycgSFHOuzg

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 20, 2024

There is also a chance that the secret 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 could be part of a deliberate disinformation strategy. Even the US documents, some experts suggest, could contain strategic inaccuracies or exaggerations.