They Thought It Was A B-2—But This Secret US “White Bat” Drone Landed In Greece

A stealth aircraft photographed at a Greek airbase following a reported emergency landing is likely a highly classified US reconnaissance drone rather than a strategic bomber, according to Defense Express on March 19.

Images circulating online showed a flying-wing aircraft at Larisa Air Base, which some Greek media initially identified as a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit.

However, analysts cited by Defense Express noted that the platform does not match known features of the B-2 or the newer B-21 Raider, suggesting instead that it is an unmanned system.

The aircraft is most likely the RQ-180, a secretive high-altitude reconnaissance drone developed by Northrop Grumman.

The publication emphasizes that no official confirmation has been provided by US or Greek authorities, but the aircraft’s size, shape, and configuration are consistent with widely reported characteristics of the RQ-180 program.

The outlet also notes that alternative explanations, including the possibility of an Israeli RA-01 drone, are unlikely due to size differences and operational range limitations. The aircraft’s presence in daylight may indicate it conducted an unplanned or emergency landing, as such platforms are typically operated in conditions that reduce visibility and detection.

The RQ-180 is believed to be designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in contested airspace, equipped with advanced sensors including an active electronically scanned array radar and passive electronic intelligence systems.

The program originated from a classified contract awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2008, with initial operational capability reportedly achieved in the early 2010s, although public imagery only began to appear around 2020. The drone has also been informally referred to as “White Bat” in limited US Air Force disclosures.

According to Defense Express, the suspected deployment of such a platform in the region may be linked to US operations related to Iran, where persistent surveillance and penetration of advanced air defense systems would be required.

The outlet adds that the RQ-180 is expected to replace the aging RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet later this decade, reflecting a broader shift toward survivable, stealth-based ISR platforms.

Earlier, the United States confirmed the first combat use of its 5,000-pound GBU-72 Advanced Penetrator, deploying the bunker-busting munition against fortified Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz.

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