US Loses or Damages 81 Aircraft in Iran War, CRS Report Says
A Congressional Research Service report lists 81 US aircraft, helicopters and drones as lost or damaged during operations against Iran, with replacement costs for equipment losses estimated at up to $3.3 billion.
The US military has lost or suffered damage to at least 81 aircraft, helicopters and drones during operations against Iran since February 28, according to an updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) report. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that replacing equipment lost through August 1 could cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on replacement plans.
The CRS list includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II, two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, seven KC-135 Stratotankers and one E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft. It also includes two MC-130J aircraft, an HH-60W helicopter, an MQ-4C Triton, three MQ-1 drones, an AH-64 Apache, four AH-6 helicopters, an MH-60 Sea Hawk and 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
The Reapers account for the largest category of losses. Their numbers have fallen significantly, adding pressure to a fleet used for surveillance and strike missions.
CRS cautioned that the 81-aircraft figure could change because of classified information, continuing operations and uncertainty over attribution. Some damaged aircraft have also returned to service.
The updated tally gives Congress a broader picture of the conflict’s equipment losses, with drones, combat aircraft, tankers and specialised surveillance platforms all affected.
