‘One-to-many meshed networking’
CNN reported that intelligence officials debated how to interpret the pilot’s account and whether he could clearly recall the incident. The pilot had suffered a concussion in the crash and had previously survived another shootdown earlier in the conflict, according to the report.
Sources told CNN the capability described by the pilot resembles what is known as “one-to-many meshed networking,” a technology that allows multiple drones to operate in coordination.
While US intelligence agencies had not previously assessed Iran as possessing such a capability, CNN reported that officials have examined indications of Iranian cooperation with China and Russia on drone technology.
Emma Bates, a drone warfare and defence modernisation expert and founder of Cachai, told CNN that advanced drone swarms capable of maintaining coordinated formations could significantly enhance military effectiveness and pose new challenges for air defence systems.
The reported sighting comes as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, following the announcement of a 60-day ceasefire window last week.
