The number of U.S. military aircraft lost or damaged in the war with Iran has risen to at least 81, nearly double the count identified five months ago, according to a new analysis by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The report, which covers losses since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28, 2026, highlights significant damage to advanced fighters and support aircraft, raising concerns about the military's ability to replenish its fleet and maintain readiness in other global theaters.
The CRS, a nonpartisan research arm of the Library of Congress, noted that the increase from 42 aircraft in May to 81 now partly reflects the release of previously classified information. The tally includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II, seven KC-135 refueling tankers, one E-3 Sentry airborne warning-and-control aircraft, and 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The Department of War stated it does not comment on reports from outside organizations regarding battle damage assessments.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and Republican lawmakers focus on the resilience of the U.S. military and the necessity of the conflict. They note that many damaged aircraft, such as the eight F-15Es damaged in Jordan, have been returned to service, demonstrating the effectiveness of maintenance crews. Supporters of the administration's policy argue that the losses are an acceptable cost of confronting Iran's aggressive missile capabilities and that the high number of drone losses reflects their expendable nature in high-threat environments. They emphasize that the U.S. remains the dominant air power and that industrial base challenges are being addressed through increased procurement orders.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices and defense analysts aligned with the Democratic perspective emphasize the long-term strategic risks posed by these losses. They argue that the depletion of critical assets like the E-3 Sentry and F-35A reveals a dangerous gap in U.S. air superiority capabilities. Critics point to the CRS warning that production constraints and competing demands could slow the rebuilding of capacity, potentially leaving the U.S. vulnerable in other regions. They also highlight the human cost, noting that at least 18 U.S. service members have died, and argue that the war's escalating equipment costs reflect a lack of clear exit strategy and overreliance on expensive technology.
What the Numbers Show
The CRS report details specific aircraft losses: 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, 1 F-35A Lightning II, 7 KC-135 tankers, 1 E-3 Sentry, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, 3 MQ-1 drones, and 1 MQ-4C Triton. Other losses include 2 MC-130J Commando II aircraft and 4 AH-6 Little Bird helicopters destroyed during rescue operations. The Pentagon Inspector General reported that the U.S. spent an estimated $22.3 billion on munitions through June alone. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in September that replacing equipment lost through Aug. 1 could cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion. The CRS noted that some of the increase in the aircraft count is due to newly released data rather than new losses, and that some damaged aircraft have been repaired and returned to service.
The Bottom Line
The widening gap between initial loss estimates and current figures underscores the opacity of wartime accounting and the strain on the U.S. defense industrial base. With the CRS warning of potential capability gaps and inventory shortfalls, Congress is likely to face increased pressure to examine funding for aircraft replacement and production capacity. The Department of War's refusal to comment on independent assessments suggests ongoing sensitivity around publicizing the full extent of equipment losses. As the conflict continues, the balance between operational necessity and strategic risk remains a central debate among lawmakers and military planners.