America’s drone fleet under strain as Iran-backed forces take heavy toll

The United States military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the start of regional tensions, representing approximately one quarter of its operational fleet. The losses, valued at around $1.3 billion, reflect the intensifying air defence capabilities of Iran-backed militant groups operating across the Middle East.

The Reaper, one of the most advanced unmanned aircraft in the world, has become a priority target for Iranian forces and their regional allies. Each drone costs roughly $30 million to manufacture, and the attrition rate is placing significant strain on American military resources in the region.

Beyond the loss of aircraft themselves, the Pentagon is struggling with a parallel challenge: depleting supplies of air-to-ground missiles. The rate of missile consumption has outpaced production capacity, forcing defence planners to grapple with supply shortages that could impact ongoing operations. Military officials have warned that continued losses at this pace could meaningfully degrade America’s operational capabilities in the region.

The situation highlights a growing vulnerability in America’s military advantage in the Middle East. Military analysts suggest the losses represent a shift in the conflict, with adversaries becoming increasingly effective at targeting sophisticated aerial platforms that have long enjoyed near-total air superiority. The Pentagon is now facing pressure to boost production schedules and develop new defensive technologies for its unmanned fleet.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.