• CRS reveals losses across fighter, rescue and surveillance fleets
• Pentagon official estimates war cost at $29bn

WASHINGTON: A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) says 42 US planes and drones were destroyed or damaged during Operation Epic Fury, the 40-day military campaign against Iran that began on Feb 28 this year.

The CRS is a non-partisan public policy research institution that works exclusively for the members and committees of the US Congress.

The report, released on May 13 and circulated by several US media outlets on Friday, is believed to be the most detailed public accounting so far of US aircraft losses in the conflict. The Pentagon has not yet issued its own comprehensive assessment.

The report was highlighted by several prominent media outlets, including The Hill, known for its coverage of Congressional affairs, as well as leading defence publications such as Military Times, US Naval Institute News, and Defence News.

CRS researchers said they compiled the figures from news reports, official Pentagon statements, and announcements by US Central Command (Centcom).

The report notes that the Department of Defence — now also using the title “Department of War” under an executive order issued in September 2025 — has not publicly provided a full list of losses from the campaign.

During a congressional hearing on May 12, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III said the estimated cost of US military operations against Iran had risen to $29 billion. He said much of the increase came from “repair or replacement costs for equipment”.

The aircraft losses listed in the CRS report include fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, helicopters, surveillance planes, and drones.

Among the most serious incidents were the loss of four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft. Centcom said three of the aircraft were accidentally shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait on March 2. All six crew members survived after ejecting safely. A fourth F-15E was reportedly shot down during combat operations over Iran on April 5, although both crew members were later rescued.

The report also cited damage to an F-35A stealth fighter caused by Iranian ground fire during operations over Iran in March.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was lost after being hit by enemy fire on April 3. According to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine, the pilot ejected safely before the aircraft crashed.

The CRS report also described significant losses among support aircraft.

Two KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft were involved in an incident over friendly airspace on March 12. One crashed in Iraq, killing all six crew members on board, while the second made an emergency landing. Five additional KC-135 tankers were damaged in an Iranian missile and drone strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

One E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft (AWACS) was also damaged during the same attack. Later reports said the aircraft had been parked on an unprotected taxiway.

Special operations forces also suffered losses. Two MC-130J Commando II aircraft supporting a rescue mission for a downed F-15E were intentionally destroyed on the ground in Iran after they became unable to leave the area. Their crews were evacuated safely.

An HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter was damaged by small-arms fire during rescue operations inside Iran.

The largest losses involved unmanned aircraft. According to the report, the US military lost 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the campaign. Another MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone crashed in what a US Navy document described as a mishap.

The CRS said the reported losses could raise major questions for Congress about military readiness, replacement costs, and the ability of the US defence industry to replace aircraft quickly during a prolonged conflict.

The report also warned that the losses may reveal growing risks for US aircraft operating in heavily contested airspace and could force the Pentagon to reconsider tactics, deployment strategies, and future procurement plans.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026