The United States has reportedly lost about one-quarter of its MQ-9 Reaper drones during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
On August 13, The Washington Post cited three U.S. government officials stating that the military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers since the start of the Iran war. Prior to the conflict, the U.S. had approximately 185 of these drones.
The Reaper drones are used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes, and have been heavily deployed in operations around the Strait of Hormuz during this war. Each drone costs between $30 million and $50 million, meaning the loss of 45 drones amounts to at least $1.3 billion.
Not all lost Reapers were shot down; some reportedly crashed after losing communication between the pilot and the aircraft. The Reapers are considered vulnerable to attacks from Iranian forces and regional pro-Iranian armed groups due to their slower speed and lower operational altitude.
As the conflict continues, other key weapons and ammunition stockpiles are also dwindling. Recent reports from foreign media and military experts indicate that the stock of Patriot missiles and long-range precision strike weapons has significantly decreased.
The Washington Post noted that the shortage of supplies is affecting actual operations. U.S. commanders on the ground are reportedly exercising restraint in using intercept missiles against Iranian missile attacks, which are deemed to have a low risk of causing casualties, in order to conserve their stock.
The U.S. Department of Defense has denied reports of a shortage in weapon stockpiles.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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