‘World’s most advanced fighter jet, most-expensive drone’: US lost 42 aircraft worth $29 billion in Iran war in less than 2 months
The Department of Defense (DOD), operating under a secondary “Department of War” designation under Executive Order 14347 dated September 5, 2025, has not released a comprehensive assessment of losses suffered during the operation, reports Congressional Research Service. However, during a May 12, 2026 hearing, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III stated that the estimated cost of military operations in Iran had increased to $29 billion, with much of the rise linked to equipment repair and replacement costs.
According to news reports and statements from the DOD and US Central Command (CENTCOM), at least 42 fixed-wing, rotary-wing and uncrewed aircraft were reportedly damaged or destroyed during OEF. Officials noted that the figures may still change because of classification concerns, ongoing military activity and attribution issues, as per Congressional Research Service.
Also Read: Pune-based defence firm tests 300 km precise Suryastra rocket to provide big boost to Indian Army
F-15E Strike Eagle incidents
CENTCOM reported on March 2 that three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft were accidentally shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait. All six crew members safely ejected and were later recovered.
A fourth F-15E was reportedly shot down during combat operations over Iran on April 5. Both crew members were rescued in separate search-and-rescue missions.
F-35A Lightning II damage
A March 19 news report stated that one F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft sustained damage from Iranian ground fire while operating over Iran.
A-10 Thunderbolt II crash
During an April 6 press conference, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said enemy fire struck an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft on April 3.
The aircraft later crashed and was destroyed during subsequent search-and-rescue operations. The pilot safely ejected and was recovered.
2 KC-135 Stratotanker lost and 5 damaged
CENTCOM stated on March 12 that two KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft were involved in an incident over friendly airspace. One aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing all six crew members onboard, while the second made an emergency landing at an undisclosed regional location hosting US forces.
A March 14 news report also said five KC-135 aircraft were damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile and drone attack.
E-3 Sentry AWACS lost
An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft was also reportedly damaged during the same attack. A later report published on May 7 stated that the aircraft had been parked on an unprotected taxiway at the time.
Special operations aircraft
Two MC-130J Commando II aircraft supporting rescue operations for a downed F-15E were intentionally destroyed on the ground in Iran after becoming unable to depart, according to an April 5 report. All crew members were evacuated safely.
Rescue helicopter lost in US-Iran war
General Caine also added that an HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter sustained damage from small-arms fire on April 5 while supporting recovery operations in Iran.
US lost two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones and a MQ-4C Triton
An April 9 news report stated that the US military had lost 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the beginning of operations against Iran.
Separately, an April 14 report citing a US Navy document said one MQ-4C Triton high-altitude surveillance drone crashed in a mishap. Triton is the world’s most expensive drone costing approximately $220 million.
Congressional concerns over losses and operational readiness
The reported losses have raised several potential concerns for Congress regarding oversight, military readiness and defence spending.
Lawmakers may examine whether the DOD has adequately informed Congress about aircraft losses during OEF and whether sufficient information has been provided to assess the operational impact and replacement requirements.
Congress may also consider the budgetary implications of replacing, repairing or sustaining damaged aircraft, including possible supplemental appropriations, reprogramming requests and procurement adjustments.
Questions have also emerged over force sufficiency and whether losses involving ageing and limited platforms, such as the E-3 Sentry, could create capability gaps or increase risks in other regions.
Lawmakers may additionally review whether US production lines and supply chains can replace lost aircraft quickly enough to meet operational demands, especially amid foreign military sales commitments and manufacturing constraints.
The incidents could further influence assessments of operational risk and aircraft survivability in contested environments, with Congress expected to evaluate whether changing adversary capabilities may require adjustments in US military tactics, operational concepts or basing strategies.
