A new Congressional Research Service assessment has outlined the scale of US military aircraft losses and damage during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The report lists 81 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including unmanned systems, that were reportedly lost or damaged since US operations against Iran began on February 28, 2026. The figure includes aircraft affected by combat, attacks on military bases and other incidents.

Unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drones account for the largest share of the reported losses, with 45 listed in the assessment. The report also includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft, seven KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft and several helicopters. An F-35A Lightning II and an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft are also among the platforms reported as damaged.

The financial impact of the aircraft losses is estimated at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on whether damaged equipment is repaired or replaced. The Congressional Budget Office provided the estimates used by the CRS. Importantly, the 81-aircraft figure does not mean every aircraft was permanently destroyed, as some damaged platforms have reportedly returned to service.

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The broader financial burden of the conflict is considerably larger than the cost of replacing or repairing aircraft. The Congressional Research Service cited estimates indicating that the war has cost the US at least about $45 billion. Separately, the Congressional Budget Office estimated Department of Defense costs at approximately $38 billion as of August 1, covering areas such as expended munitions, equipment losses, flying hours, operations and fuel.

The report also raises questions about the impact of the losses on US military readiness. Some of the affected aircraft are specialised platforms that are limited in number and can take significant time to replace. The assessment therefore highlights possible concerns about maintaining capabilities in other regions while replacing equipment used or damaged during operations against Iran.

The CRS assessment was compiled using information from the US Defence Department, Central Command, the department's inspector general and media reports. The researchers noted that the figures could change because military operations remain fluid and some information is classified or difficult to verify. The report provides Congress with information for considering replacement costs, defence-industry capacity, military readiness and the wider budgetary consequences of the conflict.

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