United States loses seven MQ-9 Reaper drones and an F/A-18E in Yemen and Red Sea

The United States suffers major equipment losses as operations intensify against Huthi forces near Yemen.

Each MQ-9 Reaper drone costs approximately $30 million. Photo by Ludovic Marin/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The United States has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Yemen area since March 15, a US official confirmed on Monday, alongside the costly loss of an F/A-18E Super Hornet that fell into the Red Sea from an aircraft carrier. The drone and fighter jet incidents highlight the rising operational risks and financial costs associated with Washington’s intensified air campaign against Huthi forces in the Middle East.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the US official detailed that seven MQ-9 Reaper drones — valued at approximately $30 million each — have gone down over a span of six weeks. The causes behind the drone losses were not immediately disclosed. These unmanned aerial vehicles play a crucial role in both reconnaissance and strike missions, vital to US efforts to counter Huthi attacks on commercial shipping routes near Yemen.

Meanwhile, the US Navy reported a separate loss of high-value military equipment over the weekend. An F/A-18E fighter jet fell off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during an accident that also injured a crew member. A tow tractor pulling the jet similarly slid overboard, compounding the loss.

Details emerge on costly equipment losses

The Navy revealed that the F/A-18E was under tow in the hangar bay when the crew lost control of the aircraft. As a result, both the warplane and the tow vehicle plunged into the Red Sea. An F/A-18E Super Hornet cost over $67 million as of 2021, representing a significant material loss for the Navy.

Despite the setback, the USS Harry S. Truman and its remaining aircraft continue to operate in the region. Naval officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident, although no recovery efforts have been publicly detailed so far.

This latest incident marks the second F/A-18 lost from operations involving the Truman within six months. Previously, an F/A-18 from the carrier was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser. Thankfully, both pilots involved in the earlier mishap survived.

The loss of seven MQ-9 Reapers underscores the growing cost of maintaining military pressure against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The MQ-9 Reaper, originally developed for the US Air Force, has been instrumental in intelligence gathering and precision strikes. However, each downed drone represents a substantial financial burden, with a cumulative loss exceeding $210 million.

US forces began ramping up operations against the Huthis on March 15, conducting near-daily airstrikes on identified targets. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Sunday that more than 800 Huthi-associated targets have been struck during this campaign. The strikes have resulted in hundreds of Huthi fighters killed, including members of their leadership, according to US military assessments.

The United States loses MQ-9 Reaper drones in a region where Huthi forces have proven increasingly adept at using advanced weaponry and tactics. Their operations are reportedly supported by Iran, complicating Washington’s efforts to restore security to crucial maritime routes.

Huthi forces began targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. These attacks have significantly disrupted traffic through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest maritime passages. Ordinarily, approximately 12 percent of global shipping passes through the Suez Canal, making it a critical artery for international trade.

Due to the insecurity in the Red Sea, many shipping companies have been forced to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa, a move that adds considerable time and expense to global logistics chains. Insurance premiums for vessels traversing the Red Sea have also skyrocketed, further exacerbating the economic impact.

The United States, under the administration of President Joe Biden, initially began conducting strikes against Huthi positions to safeguard commercial shipping. Former President Donald Trump, who is again vying for the presidency, has pledged that military operations will continue until the Huthis no longer pose a threat to international maritime traffic.

Growing pressure on US forces

The United States' loss of multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and an F/A-18E in such a short span points to mounting challenges for American forces operating in the Middle East. Air superiority and maritime dominance have long been pillars of US strategy, but the current situation highlights the vulnerabilities even sophisticated platforms face against determined asymmetric threats.

Military analysts have warned that the prolonged operations may strain existing resources. While MQ-9 Reapers offer a cost-effective alternative to manned reconnaissance missions, the frequency of their losses could force military planners to reconsider deployment patterns or seek additional funding to replenish the fleet.

Furthermore, the loss of an F/A-18E Super Hornet raises questions about operational safety and maintenance standards aboard US carriers operating in high-stress environments. Investigators will likely examine whether increased tempo, human error, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the latest accident aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

The situation in Yemen and the Red Sea has broader geopolitical ramifications. Iran’s support for the Huthis remains a flashpoint in the region, and continued US operations are likely to complicate already tense relations between Washington and Tehran. Furthermore, the disruption to global trade routes has drawn attention from European and Asian allies, many of whom rely heavily on secure shipping through the Suez Canal.

Some experts caution that without a diplomatic solution, the United States could find itself embroiled in an open-ended military commitment. Meanwhile, the American public and policymakers will likely scrutinize the rising costs, both in dollars and risks to personnel, associated with maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.

As the United States loses MQ-9 Reaper drones and other critical assets, the stakes continue to rise in a conflict that shows no signs of abating. The Biden administration faces pressure to balance military objectives with long-term strategic interests while keeping allies aligned and maintaining public support at home.