A drone believed to be the elusive Israeli RA-01 was seen over the Golan Heights
A short video, possibly recorded with a smartphone and later posted on social media, appears to show a mysterious drone in what could be yet another sighting of the Israeli RA-01 drone, whose existence was recently disclosed. The video was allegedly captured on the Golan Heights in Syria on Jun. 18, 2025.
The Golan Heights sit on the border between Israel and Syria and the sighting of the drone there could possibly link it to the current operations in Iran. In fact, that area saw multiple sightings of Israeli aircraft in transit while flying towards their targets.
Israeli RA-01 stealth long-range UCAV spotted in the skies over Syria today.
This drone is reportedly capable of performing surveillance and strike missions. pic.twitter.com/SdpNBSNtYj
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 18, 2025
While the quality of the video and the distance mask many details, the drone in the video appears to match the features of the drone previously sighted in 2024 and believed to be the RA-01.
Some users commented claiming that was a B-2 Spirit or B-21 Raider stealth bomber, but that’s not the case. In fact, the B-2 has a peculiar sawtooth trailing edge, which is easily recognizable, while the B-21 is not even in operational service as it is still being tested at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Not a B-2. Look like the drone spotted over Lebanon on Oct. 28, 2024. Story here for context:https://t.co/1aycWtzkbA https://t.co/BbRJXvhzKY
— The Aviationist (@TheAviationist) June 18, 2025
It is worth remembering that the existence of the RA-01 has not been officially confirmed, and that there are no official photos to compare. In fact, its possible existence was only revealed because of leaked U.S. intelligence documents where the drone was mentioned, together with its base of operations at Ramon Air Base.
The drone is believed to be in use by the Israeli Air Force for covert operations, although in the video it appears to be flying at medium altitude, increasing its visibility and making it easier for ground observers to capture footage. Thise is quite atypical for stealth drones that typically operate at high altitudes to stay undetected.
This thing is smoll for a B-2. Most likely an IAF RA-1 UCAV.
Here’s one flying over Lebanon from last yrpic.twitter.com/yrhX4P09qo https://t.co/8uLs5LrcsC
— Doha (@Doha104p3) June 18, 2025
Background on the RA-01
Rumors about the existence of a classified Israeli drone, supposedly called the RA-01, began to circulate last week following the alleged leak of confidential U.S. documents from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). These documents, now widely shared across 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, enhancing Israel’s strategic reach in the region, particularly with the capability of gathering intelligence or conducting operations in distant locations like Iran.
Details about the RA-01 remain elusive, and there’s 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 longstanding history of developing advanced, radar-evading UAVs. According to a report by The War Zone, the RA-01’s designation hints that it could be a multi-purpose platform with both surveillance and combat roles, potentially advancing Israel’s aerial 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 images reportedly reveal structures possibly dedicated to unique aircraft storage and deployment. While the leaked documents hint at the RA-01’s possible operational use, including a purportedly close connection to Israel’s preparations for missile defense scenarios, tangible evidence about this drone remains scarce. Given Israel’s focus on maintaining advanced deterrents, it’s plausible that the RA-01 or a similar platform may already be in limited operational use, possibly in missions over the Middle East.
At the same time, it’s worth reminding that information on the RA-01’s presence or capabilities could well be part of a deliberate disinformation strategy. Even the U.S. documents, some experts suggest, might contain inaccuracies or strategic exaggerations.
