A recent Congressional Research Service report reveals that the United States military has lost or sustained damage to 81 aircraft, totaling up to $3.3 billion in value, during ongoing operations against Iran since February 28. The tally encompasses fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and uncrewed aerial systems.
Uncrewed systems bear the brunt of these losses, with the MQ-9 Reaper drone accounting for more than half of the total count. Alongside these surveillance platforms, the Pentagon has seen high-value manned aircraft affected by combat attrition, friendly fire, and retaliatory strikes.
The Composition of the Losses Across Fleets
According to the Congressional Research Service document, the uncrewed fleet has experienced severe attrition. The MQ-9 Reaper, described by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach as the military’s most valuable player in the conflict, accounts for 45 lost units.
Manned combat airframes also sustained substantial hits. Other affected platforms include an F-35A Lightning II, two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, seven KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, and an E-3 Sentry airborne warning-and-control aircraft.
| Aircraft Category | Specific Models Affected | Reported Count |
|---|---|---|
| Unmanned Systems | MQ-9 Reaper, MQ-1, MQ-4C Triton | 49 total (45 Reapers) |
| Fighter Jets | F-15E Strike Eagle, F-35A, A-10 | 15 total (12 F-15Es) |
| Support & Logistical | KC-135, E-3 Sentry, MC-130J | 10 total |
| Helicopters | AH-64 Apache, AH-6 Little Bird, MH-60, HH-60W | 7 total |
Financial and Industrial Pressures on the Pentagon
While replacing or repairing the 81 aircraft is estimated to cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion depending on Defense Department replacement plans, sources cited by CNN place the broader cost of the war at a minimum of $45 billion. This broader figure excludes infrastructure damage sustained at regional U.S. bases.
The Congressional Research Service report highlights potential strains on the U.S. defense industrial base, warning that production limits and competing demands—including foreign military sales—could hinder the military’s ability to replenish lost assets.
Iran Criticizes US Transparency over Military Losses
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized U.S. Central Command over transparency regarding military losses. In remarks posted to social media, Araghchi pointed to the upward revision from earlier figures and contended that the actual extent of the damage is far higher, according to WANA News Agency. He also asserted that CENTCOM has restricted congressional access to inspect regional bases.
The Congressional Research Service similarly emphasized that Defense Department reporting on the war’s losses has remained vague, leaving lawmakers to question whether they are receiving sufficient information to evaluate operational effects. The report cautions that capability gaps could emerge in other global theaters, particularly through the depletion of aging, low-density platforms like the E-3 Sentry.
