The US military has suffered significant losses in its MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet since the conflict with Iran began in late February. Reports indicate that up to 30 drones, valued at nearly $1 billion, have been destroyed or damaged, representing about 20% of the pre-war fleet. The MQ-9 Reaper, which costs over $30 million per unit, is designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Most of the losses are attributed to Iranian air defenses, missile strikes, and accidents. As a result, the fleet has dwindled to approximately 135 aircraft, falling short of the Air Force's minimum operational requirement of 189. A recent report from the Congressional Research Service corroborates these figures, noting a total of 42 US aircraft lost, including various fighter jets and refueling planes. Additionally, the cost of military operations against Iran has escalated from an initial estimate of $25 billion to $29 billion due to increased repair and replacement costs. General Atomics halted production of the MQ-9 Reaper last year, though variants for foreign clients continue to be manufactured.