US loses 81 aircraft, drones in Iran conflict

The US has lost 81 aircraft and drones during the ongoing conflict with Iran since February, and the cost of replacing them is a staggering $3.3 billion, according to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report.

The losses include some of the US military’s most advanced aircraft, as well as surveillance, refuelling and unmanned systems that have played key roles in American operations during the conflict, the report said,

The report also indicated that the number could change because of ongoing combat activity, classification issues and questions over attribution. Some aircraft listed as damaged have also returned to service.

The $3.3 billion figure comes from a September Congressional Budget Office estimate of the cost of replacing equipment lost through August 1. Among the most significant losses are 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft and dozens of MQ-9 Reaper drones.