US Lost 45 Reaper Drones in Iran War, 25% of Fleet; Losses Exceed $1.3 Billion: Report

The United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, amounting to about a quarter of its fleet and potentially costing more than $1.3 billion, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing US officials.

The losses were not all caused by enemy fire. According to a US official cited by the newspaper, some Reapers crashed after communications were lost between the drones and their operators.

Reapers Central to US Surveillance

The US operated around 185 Reapers when the war began on February 28 — 165 with the Air Force and 20 with the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps aircraft were reportedly lost.

Manufactured by General Atomics, the MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft used for intelligence gathering, surveillance and precision strikes. The US introduced the system in 2007 and has since deployed it extensively in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Each Reaper costs an estimated $30 million to $50 million, depending on its configuration and weapons. Costs can rise substantially when associated ground stations, satellite communications systems and weapons are included. Several Reapers were reportedly shot down while operating mainly over the Strait of Hormuz. US officials were said to have been surprised by the precision of the attacks.

Losses Add to US Weapons Pressure

The reported drone losses come as the US military faces wider concerns over depleted weapons stocks following the conflict.

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

The Trump administration is seeking congressional backing for a $67 billion war funding package. Officials have warned that rebuilding stocks of munitions, missile interceptors and drones could take years. The Washington Post said the Pentagon declined to comment on the reported Reaper losses.