U.S. Media: U.S. Military Losses in Iraq Include at Least 45 "Reaper" Drones, Totaling Over $1.3 Billion
On August 13, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Yan Liang) that, according to U.S. officials cited by the Washington Post, the U.S. military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 "Reaper" drones in the conflict with Iran, accounting for about 25% of the total number of this type of drone in the U.S. military.
The report stated that before the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict, the U.S. military had approximately 185 "Reaper" drones. This type of drone is primarily used for reconnaissance and precision strike missions and has been frequently deployed near the Strait of Hormuz. Drones typically fly at low altitudes and at slow speeds, making them relatively easy targets for air defense systems. However, U.S. officials indicated that not all of the lost "Reaper" drones were shot down; some crashed after losing contact with their operators, but the exact number is unclear.
The report also mentioned that depending on the type of sensors and weapons carried, the cost of a "Reaper" drone ranges from $30 million to $50 million. This means that as the conflict in Iran continues to deplete U.S. military weapon stocks, the losses from just the "Reaper" drones alone may have already exceeded $1.3 billion.
The U.S. Armed Forces reported the loss of at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in the conflict with Iran, primarily around the Strait of Hormuz. This represents approximately 25% of the total U.S. fleet of this drone type, with losses valued at over $1.3 billion. The drones are mainly utilized for reconnaissance and targeted strikes.
- U.S. lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in conflict with Iran.
- Losses represent about 25% of the total U.S. MQ-9 fleet.
- Drones are primarily used for reconnaissance and precision strikes.
- Some drones were lost due to loss of contact, not all were shot down.
- Total loss value exceeds $1.3 billion.