Iran Destroyed More Than 24 US MQ-9 Reaper Drones Worth $1 Billion Since War Began: Report

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 08:23 IST

Many of the drones were downed mid-flight by Iranian fire, with some of them having been destroyed on the ground in missile strikes, or in accidents

Iran has destroyed over two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the United States military since the war began — when the U.S.-Israel launched strikes on Tehran in late February — an enormous loss that accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the Pentagon’s prewar inventory and cost nearly USD 1 billion.

Many of the drones were downed mid-flight by Iranian fire, with some of them having been destroyed on the ground in missile strikes, or in accidents, according to a report by Bloomberg, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Priced at about USD 3 million each, Reaper drones carry high-powered sensors, including camera. They are no longer manufactured for the U.S. military, says the report.

Washington has lost at least 24 Reapers and in total, about 30 drones, Bloomberg reported, citing the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Additionally, a Congressional Research Service report earlier this month stated that 24 Reapers had been lost, acknowledging the “loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions".

The U.S. has also lost two crewed aircraft since the war began — an F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Thunderbolt II. Other aircraft that Washington lost over Iran are — an E-3 airborne warning and control plane, KC-135 aerial tankers, three other F-15s and two MC-130J multi-purpose cargo planes, Bloomberg reported.

U.S.-Iran War

On February 28, the U.S.-Israel alliance unleashed joint strikes on Iran, killing the country’s political and military leaders. In response, Tehran targeted the Gulf nations, directing strikes on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The U.S. and Iran are now locked in a fragile ceasefire, with reports suggesting the two nations remain engaged in “intense indirect negotiations" to reach a final agreement.

As per a report by the New York Times, messages and draft texts are being exchanged between the two sides, with discussions focused on building a framework to pave the way for a possible deal.

News world Iran Destroyed More Than 24 US MQ-9 Reaper Drones Worth $1 Billion Since War Began: Report

Read More