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6 clusters · 60 sources · 35 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 10 days ago

US-Iran aerial losses and US munitions shortages

Overview

Since the start of the Epic Fury campaign in late February 2026, Iran has claimed the destruction of a large number of U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones. By late May, Iranian officials reported between 41 and 42 Reapers shot down, reducing the U.S. combat-ready fleet to roughly 135 aircraft. Recent reports confirm the U.S. Air Force has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, representing approximately 25 percent of its total fleet. With individual drones valued between $30 million and $50 million, the potential cost exceeds $1.3 billion.

While many losses are attributed to Iranian air defense systems, some aircraft have been lost due to communication link failures. The MQ-9’s vulnerability is linked to its low speed and flight altitude. In September, reports indicated Iran used hypersonic missiles traveling at 1.5 mach to down 40 Reapers, including one interception that prevented a planned bombardment of Larak Island. Following these drone losses, Iran launched missile attacks against two U.S. military bases in Jordan, specifically the Al-Rak and King Hussein bases.

This attrition coincides with significant munitions shortages. During the first month of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. deployed over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors. Global Patriot inventories have dropped significantly, from approximately 2,200 to fewer than 827. In response, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg has ordered defense contractors to submit accelerated production plans, and the Pentagon has established framework agreements with companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to increase production of critical interceptor systems like the PAC-3.

Entities

Iran · United States · MQ-9 Reaper · Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · General Atomics

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 26 SOURCES] The U.S. military lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the war with Iran.
[● 26 SOURCES] The potential cost of the lost drones exceeds $1.3 billion.
[● 26 SOURCES] Each MQ-9 Reaper costs between $30 million and $50 million depending on its equipment.
[● 22 SOURCES] Not all lost drones were shot down; some crashed due to communication link failures.
[● 6 SOURCES] Iran has released images of wreckage from a US F-15E Strike Eagle and several drones.
[● 5 SOURCES] The Pentagon has consistently denied reports that its weapons stockpiles are running low.
[● 4 SOURCES] The Trump administration has asked Congress for tens of billions of dollars to replenish supplies.

Timeline

10 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Iran downs 40 MQ-9 Reaper drones and attacks US bases in Jordan
Iran reportedly downed 40 MQ-9 Reaper drones with hypersonic missiles and launched missile attacks against two US military bases in Jordan.
23 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
US Air Force loses 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in Iran operations
The US Air Force has reportedly lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in operations against Iran, totaling over $1.3 billion in damages and highlighting the aircraft's vulnerability to modern air defenses.
28 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
US military loses 25% of MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet in Iran conflict
The US has lost approximately 25% of its MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet during the conflict with Iran, incurring over $1.3 billion in damages and prompting a shift toward cheaper, expendable drone technology.
30 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 34 sources
U.S. military loses 25% of Reaper drone fleet in Iran war
The U.S. military has lost approximately 25 percent of its MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet, totaling at least 45 aircraft, during the war with Iran. The estimated cost of these losses exceeds $1.3 billion.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 14 sources
Iran displays US and Israeli military wreckage amid US munitions shortage
Iran has displayed wreckage from downed US F-15E jets and drones, while the US Pentagon faces critical munitions shortages following Operation Epic Fury, prompting urgent calls for increased production.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
U.S. MQ‑9 Reaper drone losses mount in Iran conflict
Iran says it has downed 41‑42 U.S. MQ‑9 Reaper drones since Feb 2026, with over 30 confirmed losses by May and the U.S. fleet reduced to about 135 combat‑ready aircraft.

Sources

072info.com · alwakeelnews.com · avioblog.it · az.trend.az · businessam.be · chinesepress.com · cryptobriefing.com · cubainformacion.tv · curioctopus.guru · dikgazete.com · dnyuz.com · english.almanar.com.lb · eurasiantimes.com · f5haber.com · forte.jor.br · fr.businessam.be · french.almanar.com.lb · groupegaullistesceaux.fr · haber7.com · hairstory.com.hk · hodhodyemennews.net · india.com · indomiliter.com · infokuryr.cz · internacional.estadao.com.br · international.sindonews.com · joemygod.com · kalingatv.com · kurir.rs · leral.net · list25.com · lvsl.fr · mateamargo.org.uy · mathrubhumi.com · moncloa.com · national.ro · nemosnewsnetwork.com · newarab.com · newrepublic.com · News18.com · news18.com · newstarget.com · nezavisen.mk · nezavislamedia.cz · nigerianewspapers.com.ng · noticiabrasil.net.br · nrcnext.nl · patrialatina.com.br

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history