‘애국자’ 이어 ‘하늘의 암살자’도 재고 비상…미군 리퍼 25% 이란전서 손실

U.S. forces have reportedly lost at least 45 of their primary unmanned aircraft, the MQ-9 Reaper, during the war with Iran, accounting for about 25% of their total inventory. This figure represents a significant reduction in the aircraft's overall availability, with the military's total number of Reapers estimated at around 185, comprising 165 from the air force and 20 from the Marine Corps.

The ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine have rapidly diminished the availability of key weapons and ammunition, raising concerns about the time required to replenish these stocks, given production limitations.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a surveillance and precision strike drone, with a price tag ranging from $30 million to $50 million per unit, depending on its sensor and weapon systems. The recent losses of these drones alone could amount to over $13 billion in potential losses. The aircraft have been extensively used in critical battle zones of the Hormuz Strait and other key maritime routes during the ongoing conflict.

However, they have been criticized for their slow speed and relatively low altitude, making them vulnerable to enemy air defense systems in Iran, Iraq, and neighboring countries like Yemen and Israel.

While most of the lost Reapers were shot down by enemy fire, some officials have reported instances where aircraft crashed due to severed communication links with ground controllers. These concerns have been echoed by former U.S. Air Force Colonel David Tibbs, who testified in May before the Senate that only around 135 Reapers remained in service, highlighting the significant reduction in this crucial military asset.

The large-scale losses of Reapers illustrate the broader challenge of dwindling U.S. military stockpiles amid the Iran conflict and years of military support for Ukraine.