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GeopoliticsMedium•11 March 2026•

1 min read

US Loses 11 MQ-9 Reaper Drones Worth $330 Million in Operation Epic Fury

US flag on map, Middle East map, warships, oil tankers, oil barrels, and naval mines on water, with trade routes and an upward trend graph.

Key Facts

1The U.S. lost 11 MQ-9 Reaper drones over the 11-day course of Operation Epic Fury.

2The losses are estimated to cost over $330 million, with each drone priced at approximately $30 million.

The United States Air Force has sustained significant equipment losses during 'Operation Epic Fury,' losing 11 MQ-9 Reaper drones over an 11-day period. Total financial losses are estimated at approximately $330 million, based on a per-unit cost of $30 million for the General Atomics-manufactured aircraft. The attrition represents roughly 2.6% of the total U.S. MQ-9 inventory, highlighting the high intensity of the recent conflict with Iranian IRGC forces. These losses occurred as U.S. forces conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets and engaged in defensive maneuvers to intercept missile launches. Market analysts suggest the need for inventory replacement could drive new orders for defense contractors, potentially boosting aerospace and defense ETFs like ITA and XAR. Furthermore, the escalation in regional tensions is expected to maintain a high risk premium on Oil prices and bolster the appeal of Gold (XAU/USD) as a safe-haven asset.