The US lost nearly 30 MQ-9 Reaper during operations, with several of the drones being shot down by Iranian air defense, while others were hit on American bases in the region
Serious blow reportedly suffered by American air force during the 40-day conflict with Iran, as it is now forced to urgently seek new MQ-9 Reaper drones to cover the significant losses recorded in the field of operations.
According to a report by The War Zone, The American Air Force secured funding for the purchase of indisposed MQ-9A Block 5 by General Atomics, attempting to fill in the gap created after the casualties in the war with Iran.
American officials admit they are searching for all available aircraft built for other customers but never delivered, as the Reaper stock has been significantly reduced.
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, US lost nearly 30 MQ-9 Reaper during operations, with several of the drones being shot down by Iranian air defense, while others were hit on American bases in the area.
They have only 165 of 231 aircraft
Losses are considered to be particularly significant, as the total fleet of MQ-9 has decreased from 231 aircraft to just 165 within a year.
Lieutenant General David Tabor said before Congress that the Air Force is trying to «buy back as many MQ-9A can»However, the situation is complicated by the fact that the production of this model has been discontinued and General Atomics has now turned to the newest MQ-9B version.
At the same time, American sources say that Washington even examines using old retired MQ-1 Predator as a source of spare parts for maintaining the operational capabilities of the remaining Reaper.
At the same time, a report submitted to Congress estimates that total American casualties during the conflict amounted to at least 42 aircraft of different types, at the cost of approaching $2.6 billion.
The report states that including fighter aircraft, surveillance aircraft, refueling tankers, search and rescue helicopters as well as drones.
These developments revive the debate on the effectiveness of modern American weapons systems against Iran's missile and anti-aircraft capabilities, while highlighting the significant cost to the US of military confrontation in the region.
