News Desk: A new report by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) has revealed that at least 42 American military aircraft were either destroyed or damaged during the ongoing conflict with Iran, exposing the growing scale and cost of the war launched earlier this year.
The report states that the tally includes some of the United States’ most advanced fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, refuelling tankers, and unmanned combat systems. However, officials caution that the actual figure could be even higher, as several combat incidents remain classified and battlefield assessments are still continuing.
US lost 42 aircraft in Iran war during Operation Epic Fury, Congressional report says https://t.co/pwlU5MAJtp
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) May 20, 2026
Advanced US Aircraft Among Those Hit
According to the CRS assessment, the confirmed losses and damages include four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, and one A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. The report also lists seven KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft, one E-3 Sentry airborne warning system aircraft, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft, and one HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter.
The largest losses reportedly came from America’s drone fleet, with 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone either destroyed or severely damaged during operations.
The US Department of Defense has not yet issued any official consolidated combat-loss assessment related to the war.
Pentagon War Bill Nears $29 Billion
The disclosure comes as the Pentagon estimates that Operation Epic Fury — the US-led military campaign against Iran — has already cost nearly $29 billion.
During a congressional hearing on May 12, Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III said a major portion of the soaring expenditure was linked to repair, recovery, and replacement costs for damaged military equipment and aircraft.
The CRS, which provides policy and legal analysis to the US Congress, said its figures were compiled using Pentagon statements, US Central Command releases, and multiple media reports.
War Began With Joint US-Israeli Strikes
The conflict began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets. The CRS report claims that several senior Iranian leaders were killed in the opening phase of the attacks, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has repeatedly vowed retaliation, while tensions across the region remain high despite a ceasefire announced in April.
Iran Claims Combat Success Against US Stealth Jet
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi shared the CRS findings on X and claimed that Iran had gained major battlefield experience during nearly two months of warfare.
He warned that Tehran could deliver “many more surprises” if US President Donald Trump resumes military action against the Islamic Republic.
Araghchi also claimed that Iran became the first country in history to successfully shoot down an American F-35 stealth fighter during combat operations — a claim that has not been officially confirmed by Washington.
List of US Aircraft Reportedly Lost or Damaged During Iran War
According to a report by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), at least 42 American military aircraft were destroyed or damaged during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The figures were compiled using Pentagon statements, US Central Command releases and media reports.
Fighter Jets
- 4 × F-15E Strike Eagle
- 1 × F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter
- 1 × A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”)
Tankers & Surveillance Aircraft
- 7 × KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft
- 1 × E-3 Sentry AWACS surveillance aircraft
Special Operations & Rescue Aircraft
- 2 × MC-130J Commando II aircraft
- 1 × HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter
Drones / Uncrewed Systems
- 24 × MQ-9 Reaper drones
- 1 × MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone
The CRS report noted that the number may increase further because some combat incidents remain classified and assessments are still ongoing.
