Key facts
- The U.S. military has lost nearly 30 Reaper drones, valued at approximately $1 billion.
- Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for shooting down multiple U.S. Reaper drones.
- General Atomics, the manufacturer of the Reaper, has ceased production for the U.S. military.
- The U.S. military is seeking a successor drone with advanced payload and range capabilities.
- The Pentagon has requested $54 billion in its FY2027 budget for drones and autonomous warfare technologies.
The U.S. military is facing substantial costs and losses with its fleet of Reaper drones, with Iran reportedly shooting down dozens of these hunter-killer aircraft. As of May 2026, nearly 30 Reaper drones had been lost, reducing the Air Force's fleet to approximately 135. The total cost of these destroyed drones is estimated at around $1 billion, with individual aircraft costing up to $50 million when fully equipped.
Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have continued, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming to have shot down another Reaper drone on July 8 amid renewed airstrikes. The situation has prompted the U.S. military to seek a more cost-effective solution. General Atomics, the original manufacturer of the Reaper, has ceased production for the U.S. military but expressed interest in a new contract for a successor drone.
The Defense Innovation Unit has outlined requirements for a new drone capable of carrying a 2,800-pound payload and executing long-range missions, similar to the Reaper's capabilities. The Pentagon is seeking approximately $54 billion in its FY2027 budget for advancements in drone and autonomous warfare technologies, highlighting a significant investment in future aerial capabilities.