The Washington Post said on Friday that the United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the war with Iran, amounting to about 25% of its drone fleet that existed before the conflict.
Citing three US officials familiar with the data, the newspaper said the losses came as the aircraft were used heavily near the Strait of Hormuz, where they became more exposed to Iranian air defences.
Losses exceed $1.3 billion
The paper said the US military had previously operated about 185 Reaper drones before the war, including 165 with the Air Force and 20 with the Marine Corps.
It added that each aircraft costs roughly between $30 million and $50 million, putting the value of the losses at more than $1.3 billion for this model alone.
Why the Reaper matters
According to the report, the MQ-9 is not just an attack platform but a key tool for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.
Losing so many aircraft, the paper said, affects the US ability to monitor air and sea space, especially around the Strait of Hormuz.
Questions over the aircraft’s suitability
The Washington Post said the losses raise questions about the suitability of large, relatively slow aircraft operating in an environment where Iran has effective air defences.
The report comes amid growing US-Iran tensions and continued military and intelligence pressure in one of the region’s most sensitive areas.
USS George Washington heading to the Middle East
In a separate development, a US official said the aircraft carrier USS George Washington is heading to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.
CBS reported, citing a US official, that the George Washington will be deployed in the region as part of a continuing naval rotation.
Continued US military presence
The move reflects Washington’s continued military build-up in the region as tensions rise over Iran and maritime security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
It also shows the US continues to rely on regular rotation of its aircraft carriers and major naval assets in the Middle East to maintain readiness and deterrence.
Conclusion:
The Washington Post’s report highlights the heavy cost of the conflict, with the US losing a significant portion of its drone fleet during the war with Iran. At the same time, the deployment of the USS George Washington suggests the US military posture in the region remains firmly elevated.
