The US military losses Iran war toll has reached at least 81 aircraft, drones and helicopters that were destroyed or damaged, with the equipment valued at up to $3.3 billion, according to a new Congressional Research Service (CRS) analysis cited in reports.
The losses include fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, aerial refuelling tankers, helicopters and a large number of unmanned systems. Some of the US military's most advanced platforms are among the assets listed in the analysis.
45 MQ-9 Reaper drones lost
The largest category involves MQ-9 Reaper drones, with at least 45 reportedly lost during the conflict.
The Reaper is widely used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can also conduct precision strikes. Depending on its configuration and equipment, each aircraft is estimated to cost between $30 million and $50 million.
The scale of the losses has affected the size of the US operational Reaper fleet. An Air Force general previously told the Senate that the number of operational Reapers had fallen to 135.
F-15E and F-35 among losses
The CRS analysis lists 12 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft as lost or damaged. Three were reportedly shot down in what the US described as friendly-fire incidents over Kuwait on March 2, while another was reportedly shot down over Iran the following month.
Eight additional F-15Es sustained damage during Iranian strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, although those aircraft were later returned to service.
The list also includes one F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter valued at more than $92 million. The aircraft was damaged after coming under Iranian fire on March 19.
Surveillance and support aircraft affected
The reported losses extend beyond combat aircraft. One E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft, estimated at around $270 million, is included in the list.
Seven KC-135 Stratotankers, which provide aerial refuelling, were also affected. Other losses include A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, MC-130J special operations aircraft, an HH-60W rescue helicopter and multiple other helicopters and drones.
The CRS-listed losses include 12 F-15Es, one F-35A, two A-10s, seven KC-135s, one E-3, two MC-130Js, one HH-60W, one MQ-4C Triton, three MQ-1s, one AH-64 Apache, four AH-6 Little Birds, one MH-60 Sea Hawk and 45 MQ-9 Reapers.
While some damaged aircraft have returned to service, the scale of the reported losses represents a significant financial and operational burden for the US military.
Relevant official source: Congressional Research Service
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