US Lost 45 Reaper Drones in Iran Conflict, Costing $1.3 Billion

The United States military lost at least 45 MQ9 Reaper drones during its recent conflict with Iran, representing roughly a quarter of its entire fleet and costing an estimated $1.3 billion, according to a report published Thursday. The significant attrition of the surveillance and strike aircraft has highlighted concerns about the sustainability of American unmanned warfare capabilities and broader weapons stockpiles.

Three U.S. officials confirmed the loss figures to The Washington Post, with a fourth official clarifying that not all the drones were shot down by Iranian forces. Some of the aircraft crashed after losing their communications links with operators. The losses occurred during the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran and its allied forces across the region.

At the start of the conflict, the U.S. military operated approximately 185 MQ9 Reapers, with 165 in the Air Force and 20 in the Marine Corps. A Marine Corps spokesperson stated that none of the service's drones were lost. By May, Air Force Lt. Gen. David Tabor informed the Senate that the operational fleet had been reduced to roughly 135 aircraft,...