Archive · 15 Aug 2026
45 Reaper Drones Lost in Iran War, 25% of Fleet
Drones are robot planes that people fly from far away using controllers.
The United States has special drones called Reapers, made by a company called General Atomics.
During a war with Iran that began in February, the US lost at least 45 Reapers — about one out of every four it owned.
Losing so many could cost taxpayers more than $1.3 billion, because each Reaper costs about $30 million to $50 million.
Some drones were shot down, and some crashed when the people controlling them lost the signal that guides the plane.
Many were lost near the Strait of Hormuz, a very important narrow waterway.
The Reaper flies slowly and often low in the sky, which makes it easier for enemies to shoot down.
The losses are part of a bigger problem, because the war has also used up many other US weapons.
US leaders are now trying to get billions of dollars from Congress to replace what was lost, and the losses may lead to changes in drone technology.
The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, roughly a quarter of its fleet, according to The Washington Post citing US officials.
The losses could cost taxpayers more than $1.3 billion, since each Reaper costs between $30 million and $50 million depending on its equipment and weapons.
Not all drones were shot down; some crashed after operators lost their communications link with the aircraft, though the Pentagon has not disclosed how many.
Several Reapers were shot down mainly over the Strait of Hormuz, where the slow, low-flying drones proved vulnerable to Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq.
In May, Air Force Lt Gen David Tabor told senators only about 135 Air Force Reapers remained and expressed concern about the losses.
- Who
- The US military (Air Force and Marine Corps) and its MQ-9 Reaper fleets; US officials cited by The Washington Post; President Donald Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Air Force Lt Gen David Tabor are involved in the response.
- What
- The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and strike drones during the war with Iran, roughly 25% of its fleet, with losses potentially costing taxpayers more than $1.3 billion.
- When
- During the US war with Iran that began on February 28, 2026; The Washington Post report was published on August 14, 2026.
- Where
- Mainly over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq playing a role.
- Why
- The slow, low-flying Reapers were heavily deployed and proved vulnerable; several were shot down and some crashed after communications links failed, adding to Pentagon stockpile strain.
- Reported by
- The Washington Post, citing US officials
- Drones lost
- At least 45 MQ-9 Reapers, roughly 25% of the fleet
- Estimated cost of losses
- More than $1.3 billion
- Cost per Reaper
- $30 million to $50 million
- US fleet at war start
- About 185 (165 Air Force, 20 Marine Corps; none of the Marine Corps drones lost)
- First-month munitions fired
- Over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles; over 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors
- Manufacturer
- General Atomics
- Response
- Trump administration seeking a $67 billion war funding package; Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at Camp David on July 31 over depleted stockpiles
Sources
US Loses 45 MQ-9 Reaper Drones In Iran Conflict, Nearly 25% Of Fleet And Over $1.3 Billion, WaPo Reports
US lost 25% of its Reaper drones in Iran war as Pentagon struggles with a depleting arsenal
Iran war eating into America's drone arsenal? US has lost nearly 1 in 4 MQ-9 Reaper drones, claims report
US Lost 45 Reaper Drones In Iran War, 25% Of Fleet; Losses Could Top $1.3 Billion: Report