Iran has shot down dozens of American Reapers
In the event of a war with Iran, the U.S. could lose up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper strike and reconnaissance drones. According to Bloomberg estimates, this amounts to nearly $1 billion worth of equipment. This would be one of the largest losses of U.S. drones in recent years.
According to Bloomberg, the U.S. has lost at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the start of the conflict. At the same time, the agency’s sources suggest that the actual number could be even higher—around 30 drones—if one includes those that sustained critical damage and were written off.
The MQ-9 Reaper is one of the U.S.’s primary strike and reconnaissance drones. It is used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and striking targets. These drones can carry Hellfire missiles and guided bombs. Each such drone costs approximately $30 million. If the estimates are confirmed, total U.S. losses could reach nearly $1 billion.
In addition to the financial losses, the losses in terms of equipment also appear significant. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. had just over a hundred MQ-9 Reapers before the war began. This means that the Americans may have lost nearly a fifth of their entire fleet of such drones.
Officially, the Pentagon does not disclose the exact number of downed drones. At the same time, the U.S. military has previously confirmed that drones regularly operate in the combat zone in the Middle East and come under attack from Iranian air defense systems.
The MQ-9 Reaper is considered one of the symbols of modern American warfare. These drones have been actively used in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other conflicts. They can remain airborne for over 24 hours and conduct surveillance over long distances. Analysts note that the massive losses of Reapers may indicate that Iran has been able to significantly strengthen its air defense and adapt to modern American technologies.
Bloomberg notes that some of the drones may have been lost not only due to direct destruction but also due to serious damage during attacks or emergency landings following shelling.
While the U.S. has not yet officially commented on the extent of the losses, the incident has already sparked active discussion among military experts. For Washington, this is not only a financial blow but also a matter of reputation for one of the U.S. military’s most renowned systems.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to claim that it is capable of effectively countering American technology in the region. Officials in Tehran have repeatedly stated that modern U.S. drones are no longer “invulnerable targets.”
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