Iran Shoots Down US MQ-9 Drone After Air Strikes

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed on May 26, 2026, that it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone and targeted an RQ-4 drone and an F-35 fighter jet within Iranian airspace. These actions followed strikes by the United States Central Command in southern Iran against boats deploying naval mines and missile launch sites, which the command characterized as self-defense measures.

This escalation follows Operation Epic Fury, a six-week U.S.-Israeli air campaign conducted from February through April 2026. Air Force Chief of Staff Kenneth S. Wilsbach described the MQ-9 Reaper as the most valuable platform of that campaign, though the U.S. lost 24 Reapers, leaving the fleet with 135 aircraft—below the operational minimum of 189.

In response to these losses, the United States Air Force is seeking a cheaper, attritable replacement and has requested $996.5 million in FY2027 for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. While Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink noted the service is working to fill aircraft losses, General Atomics disputed claims that the MQ-9 is ineffective in contested environments.