Iran Has Destroyed 20% of U.S. MQ-9 Reapers, Bloomberg Says

Iran has destroyed more than 22 U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones since the conflict began, according to figures based on earlier Congressional Research Service estimates. The losses represent a major depletion of Washington’s unmanned strike capability and underscore the cost of the campaign. The number of aircraft lost or damaged is said to range from 24 to 30, with the total value exceeding $1 billion. The figure corresponds to 20% of the Pentagon’s prewar inventory. Each MQ-9 Reaper costs about $30 million and is equipped with advanced sensors, Hellfire missiles and JDAM bombs. The aircraft are among the U.S. military’s most capable long-endurance drones. The data cited in the report draw on previous assessments by the Congressional Research Service.