Shahed-139

The Shahed-139 is an Iranian drone. Recent news coverage focuses on an incident in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2026, where a U.S. Navy fighter jet shot down a Shahed-139 drone. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the drone approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in an 'aggressive' manner and with 'unclear intent' while the carrier was approximately 500 miles from Iran's southern coast. The incident occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to arrange nuclear talks between Iran and the United States and heightened tensions in the region. The downing of the drone is significant because it underscores the continued potential for direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, even as diplomatic channels remain open.