US Military Operations Against Iran: Aircraft Losses and Costs Revealed
Overview of Aircraft Losses in Operation Epic Fury
A recent analysis by the Congressional Research Service has highlighted significant losses and damages to US aircraft during military actions against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury (OEF), which commenced on February 28, 2026, in collaboration with Israel. The report indicates that at least 42 aircraft, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned types, were either destroyed or sustained damage throughout the conflict. It is important to note that these figures may be subject to change due to ongoing combat, classification challenges, and disputes over attribution.
The conflict saw various air, missile, and maritime confrontations across the Middle East until a ceasefire in April curtailed operations. During a hearing on May 12, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III revealed that the operational costs had surged to $29 billion, largely due to expenses related to the repair or replacement of military assets.
In response to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that any future conflict would bring “many more surprises.” He also asserted that Iran had become the first nation to successfully shoot down an F-35 fighter jet, emphasizing that the Congressional Research Service's findings confirm the US Congress's acknowledgment of the loss of numerous aircraft valued in the billions.
Araghchi's remarks come as President Trump contemplates additional strikes on Iran amidst stalled negotiations regarding nuclear materials and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump indicated on Tuesday that he might authorize new military actions over the weekend after delaying a planned attack at the request of Gulf leaders.
Detailed Account of Aircraft Losses and Damages
Aircraft Destroyed:- 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones were reportedly lost during the operations against Iran.
- Four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, with three destroyed by friendly fire in Kuwait and one downed in combat over Iran.
- Two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft were intentionally destroyed on the ground in Iran during rescue missions.
- One A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was destroyed after being struck by enemy fire.
- One KC-135 Stratotanker crashed following an aerial incident over Iraq.
- One MQ-4C Triton drone crashed due to what officials termed a mishap.
- Six KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, five of which were damaged during an Iranian missile and drone strike on Prince Sultan Air Base.
- One E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft sustained damage during the same attack in Saudi Arabia.
- One F-35A Lightning II fighter jet was reportedly damaged by Iranian ground fire.
- One HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter was damaged by small-arms fire during rescue operations in Iran.