Operation Epic Fury: Charting the role of the MQ-9 Reaper

At least 12 US MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost in Operation Epic Fury. This has led to a series of articles and posts portraying the losses as significant. But the losses help illustrate the true role of reconnaissance and strike drones in modern war. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 18, 2026. 

The US has lost 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones during Operation Epic Fury, much to the satisfaction of Iran’s supporters. ABC News, citing unnamed US officials, reported the figure on March 17, adding that some were destroyed on the ground.

To some extent, the losses reflect the extensive role that the MQ-9s are playing over Iran. While thousands of sorties are being flown by crewed aircraft, the uncrewed platforms provide persistence and targeting. This means that they are likely in the sky for longer, loitering over areas of interest and waiting. 

Waiting is probably the most important thing that the MQ-9 offers. Iran’s missile teams – including their air defences – are designed to be mobile. It is unlikely that they present a target for a long time, using their mobility to avoid retaliatory strikes. As a result, it becomes vital to identify them as soon as they move, and either bring effects from another platform, or strike them from a drone. 

Crewed platforms like fighter jets provide a limited flight time before they have to make their way back to base. This can be extended with air-to-air refuelling, but a large aircraft like a KC-135 would be a tempting target for Iran. 

MQ-9s provide up to 30 hours of endurance, depending on their payload, ample time to fly to Iran and monitor the situation on the ground. Their persistence is key to the success of the strikes so far. 

Have the strikes against Iran been successful? 

Yes, as far as targeting ballistic missile launchers is concerned. Without delving into the strategic rationale for Operation Epic Fury, it is clear that tactically the strikes are working. During the 1991 Gulf War, American forces diverted immense resources to hunting Iraq’s Scud launchers. But struggled to find and strike them in a relevant timeframe. The 2003 invasion was more successful, partly because key infrastructure was seized early on. 

Ukraine has similarly struggled to find and hit Russian Iskander launchers with only a handful of successful strikes. And Saudi Arabia and the UAE equally struggled to find and destroy Houthi missile launchers and missile storage in Yemen. 

Israel claims that around 70% of Iran’s missile launchers have been destroyed, which indicates the strikes are very successful. Footage released by the US appears to show the view from MQ-9 targeting systems. Some of it has been released in colour, but the infrared footage appears to show the flash of a laser painting launchers before they are hit.  The Wall Street Journal reports that the US is flying at least ten MQ-9 Reaper orbits over Iran at a time, demonstrating their importance. 

MQ-9s are also reportedly deploying Small Diameter Bombs – a 250 lb glide bomb, as well as the familiar Hellfires they have deployed in previous wars. This enables them to target and strike Iranian launchers and air defence systems if other assets are not overhead. 

Calibre comment: Creating space for strike drones

None of this would be possible if the US and Israel were not able to suppress Iran’s air defences. Yes, Iran has downed 12 MQ-9s, but it is not able to bring all of them down. Much of that initial suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) was conducted by crewed platforms. Using electronic warfare and long-range missiles, they have created windows of opportunity for drones. Those drones then maintain persistent surveillance and targeting over Iran. This creates a self-feeding cycle: Iran’s air defences risk being targeted if they emerge to engage the drones. The drones are free to roam and find defence infrastructure and missile launchers as a result. 

So, it stands to reason that drones like the MQ-9 Reaper can play an important role even against a well-prepared adversary. But, it is important to note the role of SEAD in setting the right conditions for them. Ukraine and Russia both found their fleets of TB-2 and Orion strike drones quickly reduced by air defences. In contrast, Azerbaijan’s SEAD campaign against Armenia in 2020 set the conditions for an extensive drone-led strike campaign. Similar systems were used in both wars, but the outcomes were different. In sum, the MQ-9 is a key enabler of Operation Epic Fury, but one that can only be brought to bear when the conditions are right. 

To read more of our coverage on Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury, check out the links below. It really helps the site to grow, so thank you: 

• Operation Roaring Lion: Israel preps for next phase – Calibre Defence 
• Iris Dena: A Case Study in Modern Warfare – Calibre Defence
• Iran expert: “Successful popular uprising unlikely” – Calibre Defence 

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