US Lost 45 Reaper Drones in Iran War, Report Says; Losses Estimated at $1.3 Billion

The United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones during its war with Iran, according to a Washington Post report citing US officials.

The losses represent roughly a quarter of the US Reaper fleet and could cost taxpayers more than $1.3 billion. Not all of the drones were shot down. One US official told the newspaper that some Reapers crashed after losing communication links with their operators.

Reapers Played Key Surveillance Role

The US had around 185 MQ-9 Reapers when the conflict began on February 28, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps drones, which are primarily deployed in the Asia-Pacific region, were reportedly lost.

Manufactured by General Atomics, the MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as precision strikes. The US began using the aircraft operationally in 2007 and has deployed it extensively in conflicts and counterterrorism operations across the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq.

A Reaper is estimated to cost between $30 million and $50 million, depending on its configuration and weapons. The overall cost can be significantly higher when ground control stations, satellite communications equipment and weapons are included.

According to the report, several Reapers were shot down while operating primarily over the Strait of Hormuz. US officials were reportedly surprised by the accuracy of the attacks.

Drone Losses Add to Weapons Stockpile Concerns

The reported drone losses come as Washington faces growing pressure over its depleted weapons stocks following the conflict with Iran.

US media reports have also highlighted shortages of precision weapons and surface-to-surface missiles. Reuters reported earlier this month that virtually all of the expensive weapons, some costing more than $1 million each, had been used during the nearly six-month conflict.

The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval for a $67 billion war funding package, with officials warning that replenishing stocks of munitions, missile interceptors and drones could take years.

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon declined to comment on the reported Reaper losses.