← All events
deployment2026-06-05 21:19 UTC
US Air Force seeks to buy unused MQ-9A Reapers to backfill losses from Middle East operations
The U.S. Air Force confirmed plans to purchase several unused MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers from General Atomics to replace combat attrition. Reports cited in the article say nearly 30 MQ-9s were lost during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, with additional losses in operations involving Yemen’s Houthis.
DETAILS
Type
deployment
Occurred
2026-06-05 21:19
Reported
2026-06-05
Location
Operations in and around the Middle East (including Yemen); procurement discussed by USAF/General Atomics
Coordinates
39.3014, -76.5888
Confidence
58 / 100
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Reported loss/attrition of dozens of MQ-9 Reaper drones (nearly 30 in Operation Epic Fury per cited sources), with an estimated combined value around $1 billion; USAF seeking to procure fewer than 10 available unused MQ-9As from General Atomics.
DRONES INVOLVED
SOURCES