According to the Greek outlet OnLarissa, a “flying wing” type aircraft was spotted over the city of Larissa, which clearly does not resemble a B-2 Spirit bomber. This has led to speculation that the images might show one of the most highly classified U.S. drones, reportedly the RQ-180.
Local sources claim that the footage may depict a B-2 making an emergency landing at Larissa Airport due to a technical issue. However, experts note that the shape of the aircraft does not match the B-2. Furthermore, the landing gear does not resemble that of the B-21 Raider, and the overall profile also rules out the RQ-170 Sentinel.
The most likely explanation, according to anonymous sources familiar with such programs, is that the aircraft could be the RQ-180 – a secret U.S. Air Force drone used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and data collection. This designation is not officially confirmed, but it is commonly used as a provisional name.
Larissa has long been used by U.S. military forces; MQ-9 Reaper drone units have previously been stationed there. However, it remains unclear whether the images actually show an RQ-180, and why such an aircraft would appear during daylight over a densely populated area.
It was previously believed that such secret drones operate from remote bases, likely near coastlines where they are harder to detect. Possible locations mentioned include Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the British base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, or major U.S. military installations in the Persian Gulf region.
Available information suggests that the RQ-180 is typically painted white, similar to the B-21, and has received unofficial nicknames within the military such as “White Bat” or “Great White Bat.” The dark appearance of the aircraft in the photos may be due to an optical illusion or could indicate a change in its color scheme. The drone was developed by Northrop Grumman as part of the Penetrating ISR program. By 2016, at least nine pre-production units had reportedly been built.
Israel is also known to have its own stealth drone, designated RA-01. However, due to the lack of confirmed images, it is difficult to compare these aircraft, and some observations suggest differences in shape. Moreover, it raises the question of why Israel would operate a secret drone in Greek airspace.
Additional data collected by aviation enthusiasts indicate that in February and March of this year, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft arrived in Larissa from Edwards Air Force Base in California. This base is a key center for the development and testing of new U.S. aircraft, and it is associated with Groom Lake (Area 51) and Northrop Grumman’s production facilities in Palmdale, where the B-21 and B-2 are manufactured. It is possible that these flights transported equipment related to the operation of such advanced aircraft.
This could suggest that the RQ-180 was temporarily stationed in Larissa or that the airfield had been prepped for its potential use. Similar flights may have occurred previously, but likely only at night to avoid detection. If the aircraft appeared during the day, this could be explained by a technical malfunction, as reported by local sources.
It is also possible that the presence of such a drone in the region is linked to Operation Epic Fury. Prior to this incident, it was assumed that the RQ-180 is actively involved in ongoing military operations and performs reconnaissance missions. There are also speculations about its use in operations against Venezuela, though confirmed activity in that region is limited to the RQ-170 Sentinel.
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Source: theaviationist
