The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones during its war with Iran, accounting for roughly a quarter of its fleet and potentially costing taxpayers more than $1.3 billion, The Washington
Post reported on Thursday, citing US officials.
Not all the drones were shot down. An official told the newspaper that some crashed after losing the communications link between the aircraft and its operators.
Reapers Were Key US Surveillance Assets
The US had about 185 Reapers when the war began on February 28 — 165 with the Air Force and 20 with the Marine Corps, according to the report. None of the Marine Corps drones, which generally operate in the Asia-Pacific, were lost.
The MQ-9 Reaper, made by General Atomics, is a remotely piloted aircraft used for surveillance and precision strikes. The US introduced the drone in 2007 and has used it extensively in counterterrorism operations and conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq.
A Reaper costs roughly $30 million to $50 million, depending on its equipment and weapons. Export packages can cost considerably more when ground stations, satellite links and weapons are included.
The Post reported that several Reapers were shot down while operating mainly over the Strait of Hormuz. US officials were reportedly surprised by the precision of the attacks.
Losses Add To US Weapons Stockpile Pressure
The drone losses come as the US faces wider pressure over depleted weapons stocks, with several US media reporting these past week that Washington has also drained its stockpile of precision, surface-to-surface missiles.
Just earlier this month, Reuters reported saying that “Virtually all” of the expensive weapons, which can cost more than $1 million each, were depleted in the nearly six-month conflict in Iran.
The Trump administration is seeking congressional support 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 said the Pentagon declined to comment on the reported Reaper losses.
