Iran war drains US Air Force's record drone stockpiles
Photo: MQ-9 Reaper drone (from open sources)
The US Armed Forces lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the war with Iran, accounting for about 25% of the US fleet of such drones, according to The Washington Post.
The agency, citing information from three officials, reported that the US deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones near the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global shipping that has become one of the main flashpoints of the conflict.
According to the agency, the MQ-9 Reapers have become relatively easy targets for the Iranian military, as well as for groups allied with Iran in Yemen and Iraq.
These drones fly at low speeds and often at low altitudes, making them vulnerable to air defense systems.
MQ-9 Reapers are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions. The cost of a single drone can range from $30 million to $50 million, depending on the sensors and weapons it carries.
According to the Washington Post's estimate, the potential cost of the US Reapers already lost exceeds $1.3 billion.
As the WP reports, the loss of these drones has become yet another factor depleting the US military arsenal amid the protracted war with Iran.
The US has depleted nearly 80% of its primary air defense interceptor missiles as well as long-range missiles due to the war with Iran.
