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REPORT: 81 US Aircraft Lost or Damaged in Iran War, Replacement Cost Up to $3.3 Billion

Oct 7, 2026·1 min read

A new congressional report lists 81 US military aircraft as lost or damaged in operations against Iran, nearly double the 42 identified in an earlier version this spring.

The Congressional Research Service report, updated October 5, covers fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones since the US, in coordination with Israel, began Operation Epic Fury on February 28. It draws on military statements, news reports and findings from the Defense Department’s inspector general.

The figure combines aircraft that were destroyed with aircraft that were only damaged. CRS notes that it does not have access to classified military damage assessments.

On cost, the report cites a September estimate from the Congressional Budget Office that replacing equipment lost through August 1 would run between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on the Pentagon’s replacement plans.

Drones account for a large share of the losses. The inspector general’s report, which covers April 1 through June 30, said as many as 30 MQ-9A Reaper drones were destroyed.

That same inspector general report put the cost of the war at about $33.4 billion, including $22.3 billion in expended munitions.

U.S. military drone, fighter jets and helicopter
Photos: U.S. Air Force / U.S. Air National Guard via DVIDS (public domain).
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