The US lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during Operation Epic Fury, equaling 25% of its prewar fleet, the Washington Post reported Thursday evening citing three US officials familiar with the matter.

Some of the drones weren’t shot down by anti-drone measures, a fourth official told the newspaper, claiming that in a number of cases, communication between the drone and operator had failed.

The US Department of Defense declined to comment on the report.

In July, a US defense official said Iran had downed roughly 30 Reapers, and Iran has claimed to have done so frequently since the start of the war in February.

MQ-9 Reaper drones can cost as much as $50 million per unit, though some cost less due to specific equipment. With a flight time longer than most UAS systems and a payload of up to 1,700 kg, the system poses a deadly danger to enemy targets.

During the war with Iran, the US relied on Reaper drones heavily. In May, Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told the House Armed Services committee that during the war, the Reaper was “perhaps the most valuable player” and that it had been utilized in “many many strikes.”

Munitions reportedly running low as defense officials deny reports

Reports that the US is running low on Reapers come as other reports of supply shortages have circulated in recent weeks.

US President Donald Trump reportedly expressed his frustration over US munitions shortages earlier this month, CNN reported. Trump was reported to have brought up the issue during a cabinet meeting, the report said.

Publicly, Trump denied the notion of a shortage, writing on Truth Social that the US has “massive amounts of ‘munitions.'” Amid rumors that he had singled out Defense Department head Pete Hegseth for criticism, the White House rejected that claim and Trump himself praised the Pentagon chief in another Truth post.

Despite public denials, the Defense Department recently ordered defense industry leaders to increase weapons production. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg wrote that the US must “dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now,” according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post.

While most reports of shortages have focused on missiles, a potential shortage of drones could still pose a significant challenge, especially as the White House weighs whether to bring the Iran War back to full speed or seek an end to the hostilities.

Danya Saperstein and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
 

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