Stories
US Military Loses 81 Aircraft and Drones Worth $3.3 Billion in Conflict with Iran
- •A Congressional Research Service report reveals the US military has lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft, drones, and helicopters during operations against Iran since February.
- •Replacing the lost equipment is estimated to cost up to $3.3 billion, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate.
- •The reported losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, an F-35A stealth fighter, two A-10 attack aircraft, and at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
- •Additional high-value losses include seven KC-135 Stratotankers, an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, and several attack and rescue helicopters.
- •US Central Command estimates that the total financial cost of the conflict with Iran has reached $43.6 billion, with weapons costs alone rising to $28.1 billion.
Key Questions Answered
The US military has lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft, drones, and helicopters since military operations began on February 28, 2026, according to a Congressional Research Service report. This tally includes 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, multiple F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, and various other support and tactical aircraft.
A Congressional Budget Office estimate places the equipment replacement cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, covering losses sustained through August 1, 2026. Meanwhile, US Central Command reported that the total overall cost of the conflict with Iran had reached $43.6 billion.
The losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets—with three shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait and another over Iran—along with an F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter that was damaged and later returned to service. Other affected assets comprise two A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, seven KC-135 Stratotankers, and a rare E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft.
