More than a dozen Reaper drones have been lost in Iran operations, US officials say
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
U.S. military lost more than a dozen advanced MQ-9 Reaper drones during operations against Iran.
AI Summary
The U.S. military has lost more than a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones during operations against Iran, according to two U.S. officials who confirmed the losses to ABC News. The Reaper is the military's most advanced unmanned aircraft system, capable of extended surveillance and armed strikes, making each loss a significant operational and financial setback. The scale of drone losses suggests sustained Iranian air defense capabilities or combat activity that has proven costly for U.S. operations in the region. These losses could prompt a reassessment of how the U.S. deploys unmanned aircraft in Iranian airspace and the tactics used to protect them from anti-aircraft threats.
What's Being Done
The scale of losses may prompt the U.S. military to reassess how it deploys unmanned aircraft in Iranian airspace and the tactics used to protect them.
Source Coverage Map
2 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
1 sourceMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Government Spending & Oversight
Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityAP exclusive: As the US shifts missiles towards Iran, officials raise concerns of gaps in European air defenses - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxOcHhQUkYwLV9tSlJzOUJNZ1Vvc2NvRE5lN2ZRWHhFVkxMMzg4VnNUVC1wUVg5eFdtc0Z3bmFxY0FtUVk4R3NCVEhLZjdnUkFJcGRhZWR6aF94X1gzYVhzYW5LZ0k3ZjlHbGZVYURoMEdIbVQ3Zm9oa0NiUXRuTVdJM2xxUVR6WDZRRnVfRWEtX0Y4TDNBUmNoY0o1TmVXb1l6bkdaRzRyelFZLVE?oc=5" target="_blank">AP exclusive: As the US shifts missiles towards Iran, officials raise concerns of gaps in European air defenses</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityTop US intelligence officials set to testify about Iran war and threats confronting the homeland - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxOd2VMakp5b1J4bzJxcGR2Y1ZOR2dDeE1ZZTRXN01EZnRrVWgyTW5fS3l3cWRfU0l6WVhOTER6VXg5TGFyTDhuZld0bkxfb05PaHZwYllKbVZSb181V0l3ODFLYUEwYTBJaE51VHVKX0FkNG9vMzZ0R1NaTzI0bUJRa3MzSnJfQWE0YXZZakZrNVd5clNRdmc5Smt0dzZRNmdvUHc?oc=5" target="_blank">Top US intelligence officials set to testify about Iran war and threats confronting the homeland</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityTop intelligence officials spar with senators at hearing on threats to U.S.
Top intelligence officials testified Wednesday at a Senate hearing on national security threats. Leaders, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, were pressed on some of the conflicting claims that continue to come from the Trump administration about the nuclear threat Iran did or did not pose before the war. Nancy Cordes reports.
PoliticsTrump approval sinks to 36 percent in Reuters/Ipsos poll amid gas price spike, Iran war
President Trump’s approval rating is taking a hit during his administration’s military operations against Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The president’s job performance rating sunk to a new low of 36 percent in the Reuters/Ipsos survey, with 62 percent of respondents saying they disapproved of Trump’s performance. A survey from the polling center only…
AI & WarfareCheap drones are reshaping modern warfare — and catching the U.S. off guard
As Operation Epic Fury enters its third week, relentless attacks by cheap Iranian drones are being fended off by multi-million-dollar U.S. interceptors. How long can the math hold up?
GlobalOil price slides as Trump talks up Iran peace negotiations
The US president said talks to end the war are underway with Iran - a claim that officials in Tehran have disputed.
Leaders of Elite Paratrooper Unit Ordered to Middle East as Trump Weighs Iran Ground War - The Intercept
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
White House registers new ‘alien’-related .gov domains as DOD tackles Trump’s disclosure directive
Kash Patel admits under oath FBI is buying location data on Americans
US moves to soften capital rules: ‘Big banks can declare mission accomplished’
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
