The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, or roughly 25% of its fleet, during its war with Iran, The Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing three officials, Anadolu reports. The losses involve an aircraft used for surveillance and targeted strikes that can cost between $30 million and $50 million depending on its equipment, according to the report. The newspaper said the potential cost of the lost Reapers exceeds $1.3 billion. READ: Iran challenges Trump: more than 75% of missile and drone capabilities still ready for use The drones have been heavily used around the Strait of Hormuz but are “relatively easy targets” for Iran and its proxies because they fly slowly and often at low altitudes, it said. Not […]
This article was sourced from Middle East Monitor.
Read Full Article on Middle East Monitor →![The United States announces that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying 3,500 U.S. troops, has reached the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command in the Middle East on March 2026. [US CENTCOM/Handout - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AA-20260329-40955005-40955001-US_SAYS_ASSAULT_SHIP_CARRYING_3500_TROOPS_ARRIVES_IN_MIDDLE_EAST.jpg)
