US Loses 45 MQ-9 Reaper Drones, About 25% of Fleet, in Iran Conflict
The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, about 25% of its fleet, during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to multiple reports citing unnamed officials. Losses include drones shot down and those that crashed due to communication failures, with an estimated replacement cost exceeding $1.3 billion. The Reaper drones, inducted in 2007, have been key for surveillance and strikes in various conflict zones. India signed a 2024 agreement to procure 31 Reapers, with deliveries starting in 2029.
First-hand measurement across 15 sources
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (42/100). Lens Score 47/100.
Outlets measured: freepressjournal, thetribune, thehindu, ndtv, oneindia, firstpost, thetelegraph, firstpost, and 7 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (28–52/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
indiatoday broke this story on 13 Aug, 06:44 pm. Other outlets followed.