F-35A Lightning II, A-10: US Lost Or Damaged 42 Military Aircraft In Iran War

Last Updated:May 21, 2026, 08:00 IST

The list of damaged or destroyed aircraft includes four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II aircraft and one A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

At least 42 American military aircraft were either destroyed or damaged during Operation Epic Fury, a US military operation launched against Iran on February 28, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

The report said the final number could still change as some details remain classified and assessments are still underway.

Fighter Jets, Drones Among Aircraft Affected

The list of damaged or destroyed aircraft includes four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II aircraft and one A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

The report also mentioned losses involving seven KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft, one E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft and one HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter.

In addition, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone were reportedly lost during the operation.

CRS Compiled Data Using Pentagon Statements, Reports

The Congressional Research Service, which provides research and legal analysis to the US Congress, said the figures were prepared using media reports along with statements issued by the Department of Defence and US Central Command.

The agency noted that the total number of losses and damages may still be revised due to ongoing combat activity and military reviews.

Cost Of Iran Operations Rises To USD 29 Billion

The financial impact of the military operation has also increased sharply.

During a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on May 12, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W Hurst III said the estimated cost of military operations linked to Iran had risen to USD 29 billion.

“A lot of that increase comes from having a refined estimate on repair or replacement costs for equipment," he said.

The updated estimate underlines the growing military and financial cost of Operation Epic Fury for the United States.

(With PTI inputs)

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