Washington: The MQ-9 Reaper Iran campaign delivered more strikes than any other US aircraft during Operation Epic Fury, US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said.
Wilsbach told the House Armed Services Committee that “no other platform is even close to the MQ-9” in strike volume, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
The report said MQ-9 Reapers flew persistent missions over Iran. They targeted missile launchers, airfields and moving targets during the conflict.
The drones also helped enforce the US military blockade around the Strait of Hormuz. Reapers carried sensors, cameras and radars to support commanders and other aircraft.
The heavy use came with losses. People familiar with the operations told Air & Space Forces Magazine that nearly 30 MQ-9 Reapers were lost during operations against Iran.
The report said many were lost to Iranian air defences, while others were hit on the ground at regional bases. Iran also targeted US bases in the region.
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Lt. Gen. David Tabor told lawmakers the Air Force was concerned about attrition and wanted to buy back as many MQ-9As as possible.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the service was not divesting the MQ-9. He said officials were also studying follow-on platforms to replace or supplement it.
The MQ-9 Reaper’s record in Iran has renewed debate over drones in contested airspace. General Atomics said lessons from Operation Epic Fury would shape future survivability and lethality upgrades.
