Setback for US? Iran destroys over $1 billion worth MQ-9 Reaper drones since war began
Iran has reportedly destroyed over $1 billion worth of MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the United States since the onset of the conflict. The loss of at least 24 to 30 drones represents a significant portion of the Pentagon's inventory of this advanced unmanned aircraft system. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of high-cost unmanned systems in intense military engagements.
- ▪Iran has destroyed more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the United States since the beginning of the war.
- ▪The losses are estimated at nearly $1 billion, significantly impacting Washington's fleet of these advanced drones.
- ▪The MQ-9 Reaper is crucial for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precision strikes, but production for US forces has ended.
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News/Setback for US? Iran destroys over $1 billion worth MQ-9 Reaper drones since war beganSetback for US? Iran destroys over $1 billion worth MQ-9 Reaper drones since war beganTOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 22, 2026, 09:14 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge MQ 9 Reaper drone (Image/AirForce website) Iran has destroyed more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the United States since the beginning of the war. The losses, estimated at nearly $1 billion, have significantly dented Washington's fleet of one of its most advanced unmanned combat aircraft systems.According to reports, at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and possibly as many as 30 have been lost during the conflict.
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