US seeks cheaper hunter-killer drones after Iran destroys $1B worth of Reapers

The US military lost multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones valued at approximately $1 billion during operations in Iran, according to Pentagon statements. The losses prompted Defense Department officials to initiate development of lower-cost unmanned aircraft to replace the damaged systems. The MQ-9 Reaper costs roughly $32 million per unit. Pentagon procurement officials stated that future drone designs would prioritize affordability alongside operational capability.

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