US Military Readies Carrier Shift, Reports Significant Drone Losses

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the American military command is preparing for the deployment of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East, which will replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region. This information was reported by the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials.

While the announcement of this change follows protests from families of personnel aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. official claimed that the plan for carrier rotation was proposed before these concerns were raised by the families of the Lincoln’s crew. The Wall Street Journal added that the carrier rotation plan comes after an extended deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which began its mission last November. The vessel had deployed to the Middle East in January to prepare its forces for potential conflict with Iran.

Separately, the American newspaper The Washington Post reported, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, accounting for about a quarter of America’s fleet of this particular unmanned aerial vehicle. The report further stated that the value of each MQ-9 drone, depending on its equipment and armaments, ranges between $30 million and $50 million.

MQ-9 drones have been extensively used in U.S. military operations in the region, including against Iran and Yemen, as well as other resistance groups. These drones have reportedly become relatively easy targets for the defensive weapons systems of these nations.