The United States has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones in its war with Iran, according to The Washington Post, citing three US officials. Published on August 14, the report said the losses amount to about 25 percent of the US Reaper fleet before the war. The losses have raised concerns about drone availability in any future major military conflict.

One US official said not all of the drones were destroyed by Iranian air-defense attacks. In several cases, communication between the drones and their control-room operators was lost, though the detailed causes were not known. The US Department of Defense declined to comment. In July, a US defense official said Iran had shot down about 30 Reaper drones, while Iran has regularly claimed such shootdowns since the war began.

The Reaper can remain airborne for long periods and carry up to 1,700 kilograms of weapons and other equipment. In May, Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth S. Wilsbach said it had probably played the most important role in the war. The Pentagon has also instructed major weapons producers to increase output, making drone stocks and production capacity a significant issue.