US military seeks cheaper drones following heavy losses in Iran conflict
Story essentials
US Department of Defense, General Atomics
Iran
July 8, 2026
This page is produced by collecting and structuring multiple public reports. Sections based only on reporting or testimony affect the displayed assessment, and the page is updated when new information is identified.
About this article
COMPAMIR Editorial Team
The COMPAMIR editorial team brings together public reporting and links to the original coverage. We update the page as new information emerges.
Read our editorial policy- Earlier version 17/9/2026, 9:01:18 AM
The US military has lost dozens of MQ-9A Reaper drones worth over $1 billion in operations over Iran. The Pentagon is seeking cost-effective drones to counter adversaries with layered air defenses. General Atomics is expected to compete for the new contract to provide a successor to the Reaper.
Read next
Prioritized by shared people, places, and events.
Iran Security Chief Warns Against US Alliance
Iran's security chief Rezaei stated that any state joining the US will be considered an enemy. Tehran threatens to target the interests of such states in retaliation.