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Developed in secret, the Hellfire R9X missile, nicknamed the “ninja missile,” uses six retractable blades instead of explosives to eliminate targets with surgical precision. On February 23, 2024, the weapon was used in Syria to neutralize an al-Qaeda leader without causing collateral damage, marking another advance in U.S. precision warfare.
On February 23, 2024, an airstrike in Syria revealed to the world the AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile, also known as the ninja missile. The weapon was used to eliminate a leader of the Huras al-Din terrorist organization, affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Unlike conventional missiles, it does not use explosives. Its lethal impact comes from sharp blades that open before impact, cutting the target with surgical precision.
The attack that confirmed the existence of the ninja missile
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video Official footage showing the attack, which took place in northern Syria. The ninja missile was fired from an MQ-9 Reaper drone and struck the terrorist leader's pickup truck. The footage shows a cross-shaped glow, with no visible explosion. The damage was localized to the driver's seat, with no surrounding destruction.
Experts point out that this is one of the first public records of the use of this weapon, which has reportedly been used secretly since 2017, according to military sources.
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How does the ninja missile work?
The AGM-114R9X is a variant of the Hellfire missile, widely used by the United States. Instead of an explosive warhead, it carries six sharp blades, which expand seconds before impact. The aim is to eliminate specific targets without causing collateral damage.
The technology was developed for operations in densely populated areas where conventional strikes could kill civilians. According to The Wall Street Journal, the missile has already been used to eliminate other high-priority targets in Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan.
The mystery behind development
The ninja missile was developed in secret by the Pentagon and the CIA. Its use was first confirmed in 2019, when it was used to kill Jamal al-Badawi, one of those responsible for the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. Since then, its existence has only been mentioned in unofficial military reports.
Now, with the official announcement of the strike in Syria, the US has publicly acknowledged the use of the weapon. The decision could indicate that it is being replaced by a new, even more advanced model.
The future of precision weapons warfare
The use of the ninja missile reinforces a new military strategy: surgical strikes with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. With it, the US can hit targets in urban areas without destroying civilian infrastructure.
With the advancement of technology, it is possible that weapons like this become increasingly common. The AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile has already changed the way precision strikes are conducted, and its legacy could redefine the future of modern warfare.
