The United States has reportedly lost 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the start of the war with Iran, including two shot down near Isfahan this week, according to a CBS News report. The losses highlight the growing cost of Washington’s drone-centered operations in the ongoing war on Iran.

Iranian state media has also published footage showing one of these drones being shot down.

The reported losses represent a significant financial setback. Each MQ-9 Reaper is estimated to cost about $30 million, bringing the total value of the destroyed drones close to $500 million. The MQ-9A Reaper is widely used by the US military for both surveillance and precision strike missions.

Previous and ongoing attrition

CBS News previously reported that nine MQ-9 drones had been lost by early March. Later updates suggested additional drones were downed as the war expanded. Another report indicated that at least three Reapers were destroyed during a separate phase of fighting, pointing to a continued rate of attrition of US unmanned systems throughout the war.

The MQ-9 Reaper reportedly plays a central role in US military operations around Iran due to its long endurance, surveillance capabilities, target tracking, and strike functions. However, the increasing number of losses underscores the vulnerability of drones operating in contested airspace, where advanced air defenses, electronic warfare, and missile systems are active.

The reported downing of two drones near Isfahan is especially significant, as the area is considered a highly sensitive military zone in Iran. It has repeatedly been linked to strikes and counterstrikes targeting key infrastructure and defense-related sites.

Costly war of attrition

The drone losses also highlight the economic strain of the war. Although drones are generally viewed as a lower-risk alternative to manned aircraft, the scale of destruction suggests that even advanced unmanned systems can be rapidly depleted in high-intensity warfare.

Given the high unit cost of each Reaper, repeated losses create substantial financial and operational pressure, particularly when these drones are used for continuous intelligence gathering and strike missions over heavily defended areas.

The CBS report comes as the United States continues evaluating the cost and sustainability of its aggression on Iran, amid ongoing debates over how long Washington should remain engaged in the war.

Source:Websites