US Loses 81 Aircraft in War With Iran
The Congressional Research Service reports the US lost or damaged 81 aircraft in the war with Iran, with total conflict costs exceeding $45 billion.
A report from the Congressional Research Service reveals the United States has lost or damaged at least 81 military aircraft since the war with Iran began in late February. Losses include 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, seven KC-135 Stratotankers, one F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, and one E-3 Sentry surveillance plane. The loss of 45 Reaper drones has reduced the deployable fleet to 135, falling below the required minimum of 189.
Aircraft were lost through various causes, including Iranian airstrikes on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and bases in Saudi Arabia, as well as a KC-135 crash in Iraq that killed six crew members. Three F-15 jets were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait on March 2. Replacement costs for these assets are estimated between $1.9 billion and $5.1 billion, depending on the valuation method used.
Financial estimates for the broader conflict have risen steadily. While the Congressional Budget Office estimated costs at $38 billion through August 1, United States Central Command later estimated the total at $43.6 billion. Recent figures suggest total war costs have now reached at least $45 billion, excluding infrastructure damage at regional bases.
In response to the conflict, Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics reported a 2.5-fold increase in arms production capacity, claiming it now manufactures over 1,000 types of weapons systems.
