Iran war cost US at least 45 Reaper drones, losses may top $1.3 billion: Report

The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, accounting for roughly a quarter of its fleet and potentially costing taxpayers more than $1.3 billion, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing US officials.

Not all of the drones were shot down. One US official told the newspaper that some crashed after losing the communications link between the aircraft and their operators.

Reapers were key surveillance assets

The US had around 185 MQ-9 Reapers when the war began on February 28, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps, according to the report.

None of the Marine Corps drones were lost. Those aircraft generally operate in the Asia-Pacific region.

The MQ-9 Reaper, manufactured by General Atomics, is a remotely piloted aircraft used for surveillance and precision strikes. The US introduced the drone in 2007 and has deployed it extensively in counterterrorism operations and conflicts in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq.

A single Reaper costs roughly $30 million to $50 million, depending on its equipment and weapons. Export packages can cost significantly more when ground stations, satellite links and weapons are included.

Several drones shot down

The Washington Post reported that several Reapers were shot down while operating mainly over the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials were reportedly surprised by the precision of the attacks.

The reported losses come as the US faces wider pressure over its weapons stocks following the conflict with Iran.

Several US media reports have pointed to depleted stocks of weapons, including precision surface-to-surface missiles.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that “virtually all" of the expensive weapons, some of which can cost more than $1 million each, were depleted during the nearly six-month conflict in Iran.

US seeks more war funding

The drone losses have added to the pressure on Washington to replenish its military stockpiles.

The Trump administration is seeking congressional support for a $67 billion war funding package. Officials have warned that replacing munitions, missile interceptors and drones could take years.

The Washington Post said the Pentagon declined to comment on the reported Reaper losses.