US Lost Forty Two Aircraft During Iran Conflict

NEW YORK: (Web Desk) – A new report prepared for the US Congress has revealed that at least 42 American military aircraft were either destroyed or damaged during the conflict with Iran, underscoring the heavy price of a war that Washington initially expected to control through air superiority.

According to the report by the Congressional Research Service, the actual number of losses could be even higher because some details remain classified, while investigations into combat damage are still ongoing.

The reported losses include several advanced American aircraft and support systems. Among them were four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack plane, seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, and an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane. The list also included drones, rescue helicopters, and special operations aircraft.

The Pentagon disclosed that military spending linked to Operation Epic Fury has already climbed to nearly $29 billion. Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III told lawmakers that much of the increase comes from updated repair and replacement estimates for damaged military equipment.

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The war reportedly began on February 28 after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian military sites, missile infrastructure, and senior officials. The conflict quickly escalated into one of the largest American air campaigns in the Middle East in recent decades.

The growing aircraft losses are expected to fuel debate in Washington over the true military and financial cost of the conflict, as questions continue about whether Iran inflicted more damage on US forces than initially acknowledged publicly.

Iranian officials also reacted strongly to the findings. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared details of the report on X, claiming it proved Iran had successfully challenged American air power during the war. He also warned that Tehran was prepared to respond with even greater force if President Donald Trump chooses to resume military action.