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US lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in Iran war

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in its war with Iran, about 25% of the roughly 185-drone pre-war fleet.
Lt. Gen. David Tabor told the Senate in May that about 135 Reapers remained and the Air Force was examining ways to quickly replace the lost drones.
The Department of Defense declined comment after a senior official said some drones crashed because communication links with operators failed.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 the U.S. Air Force fielded its first MQ-9 Reaper fleet, achieving the platform’s first combat kill in Afghanistan that October. Over the next decade the Reaper suffered early setbacks, including a lost drone in 2009 and dozens of crashes. By July 2026 Iran-U.S. hostilities had destroyed 36 Reapers, prompting accelerated replacement efforts.

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Story summary

The United States lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in its war with Iran, about 25% of the roughly 185-drone pre-war fleet.
Lt. Gen. David Tabor told the Senate in May that about 135 Reapers remained and the Air Force was examining ways to quickly replace the lost drones.
The Department of Defense declined comment after a senior official said some drones crashed because communication links with operators failed.

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