81 US military aircraft, drones damaged during Iran war: Report
The tally is driven by MQ-9 Reaper losses, and lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon for clearer cost and damage reporting.
- The Congressional Research Service reported Monday that 81 U.S. aircraft have been lost or damaged during operations against Iran, nearly double the 42 listed in a May report.
- September estimates from the Congressional Budget Office project that replacing equipment lost through August 1 could cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, covering losses since military operations began on February 28, 2026.
- Drones accounted for 24 MQ-9 Reapers and one MQ-4C Triton in earlier tallies; five KC-135 tankers were hit at Prince Sultan Air Base, and two MC-130J aircraft were intentionally destroyed on the ground.
- The Air Force withdrew its B-1B Lancers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, on October 4, 2026, after Reuters reported fears of a suspected Iranian drone attack plot prompted the decision.
- Lawmakers face questions about whether these losses create capability gaps or require procurement changes, as CRS identified aging aircraft like the E-3 Sentry as a particular concern.
166 Articles
166 Articles
US military has lost 81 aircraft in Iran war according to Congressional report
The total cost of the aircraft lost since February is between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion. Among the aircraft lost are some of the most advanced weapons in the US arsenal, including the F-35A.
U.S. Military Lost or Damaged 81 Aircraft Worth Up to $3.3 Billion in Iran War, Report Says
At least 81 U.S. military aircraft have been lost or damaged since the war with Iran began, with losses totaling as much as $3.3 billion, according to a Congressional Research Service report released Oct. 5. The tally was compiled from statements by the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, the Pentagon Inspector General and news reports, and the report's authors noted the number of aircraft "may remain subject to revision due to multiple factors" [1]…
A recent report by the United States Congress Research Service, among other things, revealed some of the losses of the U.S. Army during the armed confrontation with Iran, according to the document, 81 aircraft have been lost by the U.S. Armed Forces since the escalation of the Middle East.
At least 81 US military aircraft have been lost or seriously damaged so far during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, Al Jazeera has learned, reviewing declassified US congressional reports.
According to a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service, 81 U.S. military aircraft were lost following the war with Iran last February, resulting in damages of up to 4.4 trillion won. 24% of core assets, the MQ-9 Reaper drone, were lost, and reconnaissance assets such as the E-3 Sentry were also hit, causing replacement costs for military capabilities to skyrocket.
During the conflict, the United States lost 81 aircraft, as reported by CNN in a report to the American Congress.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
