The U.S. military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the war with Iran, leaving no more than 145 in remaining stockpiles from a prewar fleet of about 185, according to three officials familiar with the matter cited by The Washington Post. The losses represent roughly one-quarter of the fleet and imply more than $1.3 billion in taxpayer cost, based on unit prices of $30 million to $50 million depending on sensors and missiles. The Reaper has been a central strike platform in the conflict. General Kenneth Wilsbach, the Air Force chief of staff, said in May that the MQ-9 had carried out "many, many strikes" against Iran and called it "perhaps the most valuable player" in Operation Epic Fury because it can be flown remotely without putting personnel at risk. The reported losses add to strain on U.S. weapons inventories already affected by the Iran war and years of support for Ukraine, a dynamic the report said is limiting President Donald Trump's military options. The Pentagon declined to comment, while White House spokesperson Anna Kelly denied any shortages and said the U.S. military has enough munitions and stockpiles to meet Trump's strategic goals. Not all of the lost drones were necessarily shot down by Iran; an unidentified official told the Post that some crashed after losing contact with their operators. Lieutenant General David Tabor told a Senate subcommittee in May that about 135 Reapers remained in the Air Force fleet and that officials were concerned about attrition, while also exploring ways to buy back as many MQ-9As as possible after manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. halted production last year.