US lost 42 aircraft in Iran war during Operation Epic Fury, Congressional report says
A Congressional Research Service report revealed that the U.S. lost or damaged at least 42 military aircraft, including an F-35 stealth fighter and multiple advanced platforms, during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, with costs nearing $29 billion. The report highlights Iran’s ability to challenge American air superiority, raising questions about the true scale of U.S. losses and the effectiveness of the campaign.
A confidential Congressional Research Service (CRS) report disclosed that the U.S. suffered significant aircraft losses during Operation Epic Fury, its military campaign against Iran. The report documents at least 42 aircraft—including four F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, seven KC-135 Stratotankers, and 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones—as either lost or damaged. The Pentagon has not released a full official accounting, but the CRS compiled figures from Pentagon statements and CENTCOM briefings, noting that losses may rise due to classification restrictions or ongoing combat. The conflict began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, missile facilities, and senior leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The campaign killed multiple top Iranian officials but also triggered heavy U.S. losses, with Iran claiming to have disrupted American air dominance. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared the CRS report on X, emphasizing Iran’s success in downing an F-35A and warning of further surprises if military action resumes under President Donald Trump. The financial toll of the operation has surged to nearly $29 billion, according to Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III, who cited refined estimates for repair or replacement costs. The report’s findings have intensified debate over the war’s true cost and whether Iran inflicted greater damage than initially acknowledged. Military analysts suggest the losses reflect modern warfare’s evolving challenges, where even advanced aircraft are vulnerable to sophisticated Iranian defenses. Iran’s response underscored the symbolic significance of the F-35A loss, framing it as a major blow to U.S. air power. The CRS report remains one of the few detailed accounts of U.S. combat losses, as the Department of Defense has not provided a full official breakdown. With tensions persisting, the disclosure could further complicate discussions on the campaign’s strategy and future military engagements in the region.
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