to report «iusnews»;The Washington Post earlier reported the destruction or loss of at least 45 MQ-9s, citing three U.S. officials, and put the value of the damage at more than $1.3 billion.
Israeli regime's Channel 12 said the losses represent about one-quarter of the U.S. MQ-9 fleet before the war began. Some reports put the number of remaining operational drones at around 135, a level below the U.S. Air Force's operational requirement.
U.S. Air Force officials have voiced concern over the attrition of the MQ-9 fleet.
The MQ-9 is one of the United States' primary unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance, surveillance and ground attack. The damage to the fleet has placed significant pressure on U.S. operational capacity in the region.
