US seeks cheaper hunter-killer drones after Iran destroys $1B worth of MQ-9 Reapers

Iran has destroyed approximately $1 billion worth of US MQ-9 Reaper drones, prompting the American military to seek cheaper hunter-killer drone alternatives. Each MQ-9 Reaper costs around $30 million, making large-scale losses financially unsustainable. The Pentagon is now evaluating lower-cost unmanned platforms capable of performing similar combat and reconnaissance missions.