Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Aug 14: The United States has lost around 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones during its more than five-month-long conflict with Iran, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The report, citing US officials, said the losses account for roughly 25 per cent of the US military's Reaper fleet. Not all the drones were shot down, with some reportedly crashing after losing communication with their operators.
The US had around 185 Reaper drones when the Iran war began, including 165 operated by the US Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. The losses could cost American taxpayers more than USD 1.3 billion, according to the report.
The MQ-9 Reaper was inducted into US military service in 2007 and has since played a major role in surveillance, counterterrorism and strike operations in Afghanistan and parts of the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
India is also set to acquire the Reaper. Under an agreement signed with the US in 2024, Washington will supply 31 drones to India, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. The Indian Army and Air Force are expected to receive eight drones each, while the Navy will receive 15.
Ten of the drones will reportedly be procured in fly-away condition, while 21 will be assembled in India.
The latest figures have renewed questions over the rising cost of the US military campaign against Iran. In July, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the conflict had cost Washington around USD 37.5 billion and sought an additional USD 87 billion in congressional funding for the Pentagon.
Hegseth had warned that additional funds were needed to replenish equipment and munitions, support US service members and sustain military operations.
Meanwhile, reports have suggested that the Trump administration is exploring ways to bring the conflict to an end. Washington has reportedly considered stopping hostilities even without a nuclear agreement if Iran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, however, has indicated that it is prepared to continue the conflict until US President Donald Trump’s term ends in 2028.