US Lost or Damaged 81 Aircraft in Iran War, Report Finds

A congressional report finds the US military lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft in the war with Iran, nearly double the May tally.

• The Congressional Research Service report lists losses since February 28, 2026, including 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A, seven KC-135 tankers, and 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
• The figure, up from 42 aircraft catalogued in May, values the losses at $3.3 billion.
• Three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait on March 2.
• The CRS warned that replacing lost aircraft could weaken the military's ability to meet needs in other regions.
• The CRS report put total US war costs at about $44 billion by September 3, with roughly 60% spent on bombs, missiles, and ammunition.