Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, May 22: Iran has reportedly destroyed more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the United States military since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict that began with joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran in late February, according to a Bloomberg report.
Citing a person familiar with the matter, the report stated that many of the drones were shot down by Iranian fire during operations, while others were destroyed on the ground in missile strikes or lost in accidents.
The losses are estimated to account for nearly 20 per cent of the Pentagon’s pre-war Reaper drone inventory, with the overall damage reportedly nearing USD 1 billion.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at around USD 30 million each, are equipped with advanced surveillance systems and high-powered sensors, including cameras. Bloomberg reported that the United States has lost at least 24 Reapers and nearly 30 drones in total since the conflict escalated.
A recent Congressional Research Service report also confirmed the loss of 24 Reaper drones and referred to the destruction of “dozens of aircraft worth billions”.
The report further stated that the US has additionally lost two crewed aircraft during the conflict — an F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Thunderbolt II. Other reported losses include an E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, KC-135 aerial refuelling tankers, three additional F-15 fighter jets, and two MC-130J multi-purpose cargo aircraft.
The conflict intensified after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 reportedly targeted and killed senior political and military leaders in Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes targeting Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Although the US and Iran are currently observing a fragile ceasefire, reports suggest that indirect negotiations between the two sides continue. According to The New York Times, both countries are exchanging messages and draft proposals in an effort to establish a framework for a possible agreement.