Quarter of fleet downed, US still flying MQ-9s in combat; India awaits delivery
The US military has lost many MQ-9 Reaper drones in the ongoing conflict. These drones are vulnerable due to their slow speed and low-altitude flight. India is acquiring these drones for its military services in a significant deal. These unmanned aircraft are expected to be inducted into service by 2029. India will assemble many drones locally and source components from India.
The United States military has experienced a significant loss within its MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet during the ongoing conflict with Iran, losing approximately 45 drones, which is roughly a quarter of its pre-war fleet. Initially, the US possessed 185 Reapers, allocated between 165 with the Air Force and 20 with the Marine Corps. These drones have been extensively utilized near the Strait of Hormuz; however, their slow speed and low-flying altitude render them vulnerable to Iran's military and its regional proxies in Yemen and Iraq.
While some losses resulted from enemy fire, others were caused by the aircraft crashing due to failed communication links with operators.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a workhorse of the US Central Command since nearly two decades, has primarily performed surveillance and strike missions across Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria. Initially created as a reconnaissance platform, it has thrived in uncontested skies, hunting ISIS militants and protecting pirate-infested waters. Nevertheless, the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has altered this equation, as the Reaper's predictable and slow flight pattern has made it an easy target for enemy air defenses.
The aircraft, flown remotely from control stations in the United States, relies on satellite communication and carries an advanced electro-optic sensor pod, radar options, and up to eight weapons, including Hellfire missiles, Paveway laser-guided bombs, JDAMs, and Stinger air-to-air missiles. Despite its potency, the MQ-9 Reaper is not designed for contested skies.
India, recognizing the aircraft's capabilities, is set to acquire a fleet of MQ-9 Reapers across its Army, Air Force, and Navy. The deal, valued at over $3 billion, includes eight drones for the Army and Air Force, and 15 for the Navy. Expected to be inducted by 2029, these unmanned aircraft boast 40-hour endurance, providing crucial intelligence over the Indian Ocean and along India's land frontiers.
Currently, the Navy operates two leased Reapers, and the defence ministry has extended this lease by an additional 30 months. Under the broader acquisition, 21 drones will be assembled in India, with 10 delivered flyaway, and 34% of components sourced locally.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
