Ex-TOPGUN Pilot Warns of Potential Iranian Drone Attacks on US Flights

Former Navy fighter pilot says Americans should be on high alert for various threats.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:49am

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As fears of Iranian retaliation against the US grow, former TOPGUN Navy fighter pilot Matthew "Whiz" Buckley warns that Americans need to be on high alert. Buckley believes there are thousands or even tens of thousands of Iranian sleeper agents in the country that could be activated, as well as the threat of lone wolf attacks and even drone attacks that could take down commercial flights.

Why it matters

The comments from the former elite fighter pilot highlight the heightened security concerns in the US following rising tensions with Iran. Any successful attack on American soil or against US commercial aviation would have major national security and economic implications.

The details

Buckley, who was a TOPGUN instructor, sat down with The New York Post to discuss the potential threats from Iran. He believes the country has the capability to use drones to target US commercial flights, in addition to the threat of sleeper agents and lone wolf attacks on soft targets.

  • The interview with Buckley was published on March 13, 2026.

The players

Matthew "Whiz" Buckley

A former TOPGUN Navy fighter pilot who is warning about the threat of Iranian attacks on the US homeland.

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What they’re saying

“Whether its the thousands or even tens of thousands of sleeper agents he believes to be in the country that might be activated, lone wolves attacking soft targets or even a drone attack taking down a commercial flight, Buckley warns "things could get ugly.”

— Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, Former TOPGUN Navy Fighter Pilot

The takeaway

The comments from the former elite fighter pilot underscore the heightened security concerns in the US and the potential for devastating attacks from Iran, whether through sleeper agents, lone wolves, or advanced drone technology targeting commercial aviation.