US-Iran Tensions: The United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in its war with Iran, wiping out nearly a quarter of its fleet and potentially costing more than $1.3 billion, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing US officials.
The United States had around 185 Reapers when the war began on February 28, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 belonging to the Marine Corps, according to the report. The administration is seeking congressional approval for a $67 billion war funding package. None of the Marine Corps aircraft were lost. The Washington Post said the Pentagon declined to comment on the reported Reaper losses.
Those drones generally operate in the Asia-Pacific region. The depletion has added urgency to the Trump administration’s efforts to secure more funding for the war and for rebuilding US military stocks. US officials have warned that replacing depleted stocks of munitions, missile interceptors and drones could take years.
