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US Reaper Drones Vanish: 45 Lost in Iran Conflict
14 Aug
Summary
- Over 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones were lost during the conflict with Iran.
- These losses represent approximately 25% of the US military's MQ-9 Reaper fleet.
- Some drones were lost due to communication failures, not solely combat action.
The US military sustained substantial losses during the conflict with Iran, reportedly losing at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones. This figure represents approximately 25% of the total MQ-9 Reaper fleet available to the US. The financial impact of replacing these drones is estimated to be over USD 1.3 billion, a significant burden on taxpayers.
While the exact circumstances of each loss are not detailed, a US official clarified that not all Reapers were shot down by enemy fire. Some drones experienced communication link failures, leading to crashes. The MQ-9 Reaper, a key asset for US counterterrorism operations since its induction in 2007, has been deployed extensively in regions like the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Before the recent conflict, the US military inventory included around 185 Reapers. However, recent reports indicate the fleet has been reduced to approximately 135 drones. Concerns have been raised by senior Air Force officials regarding these substantial losses, prompting the military to explore strategies for rapidly replenishing the depleted fleet.
