US Lost At Least 39 Aircraft During ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Against Iran: Report

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 11:03 IST

The majority of the losses were from the US drone fleet, which accounted for over 60% of the total attrition.

After the conclusion of sustained US combat operations against Iran, new details have emerged about the losses suffered by American forces during the 39-day campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.

According to the latest reporting, the United States lost at least 39 aircraft during the operation, while another 10 were damaged to varying degrees. The figures come after US forces flew more than 13,000 sorties over the course of the campaign.

The majority of the losses were from the US drone fleet, which accounted for over 60% of the total attrition. According to the latest reporting from Jim LaPorta and CBS, up to 24 MQ-9A Reaper drones operated by the US Air Force were reportedly destroyed.

In addition, five fighter aircraft were shot down while in the air — four F-15E Strike Eagles and one A-10 Warthog.

An F-35A fighter jet was also hit over Iranian airspace, marking the first known instance of combat damage to a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The pilot, however, managed to carry out an emergency landing safely.

Around 20% of the aircraft losses were attributed to friendly fire, including three F-15E jets shot down over Kuwait. Some assets were also deliberately destroyed to prevent them from being captured during a combat search and rescue mission inside Iranian territory.

Among the losses, the destruction of an E-3G Sentry airborne early warning aircraft was described as particularly significant.

News world US Lost At Least 39 Aircraft During ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Against Iran: Report

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