The U.S. military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the war with Iran began on Feb. 28, leaving no more than 145 of the aircraft in dwindling defense stockpiles, according to reports. The losses represent roughly a quarter of the pre-war fleet of about 185 Reapers, which was divided between the Air Force and the Marines.
Each Reaper costs between $30 million and $50 million, putting the financial loss to taxpayers at more than $1.3 billion. Not all of the drones were shot down; some crashed after losing communication with their operators, a U.S. official said. The U.S. military has also consumed more than 1,500 Patriot interceptor missiles in the conflict, with fewer than 1,700 remaining.
General Kenneth Wilsbach credited the Reapers with carrying out numerous strikes against Iran. The Pentagon and President Donald Trump have denied reports of depleted weapons stockpiles. General Atomics stopped producing the Reapers last year, complicating replacement efforts.