Washington/Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh assessment has revealed that the United States suffered substantial aerial setbacks during its military offensive against Iran, with dozens of aircraft reportedly damaged or destroyed during the months-long operation.
According to a report prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), at least 42 American aircraft were lost or severely affected during Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28 as part of a large-scale offensive targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
The reported losses include some of the US military’s most advanced assets. These range from four F-15E Strike Eagle combat aircraft and an F-35A stealth fighter to an A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-support jet. Several aerial support systems were also hit, including seven KC-135 refuelling tankers and an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft.
Special operations aviation units were also impacted, with two MC-130J Commando II aircraft and one HH-60W rescue helicopter listed among damaged assets.
The largest numerical losses came from drone operations. The report says 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone were either brought down or rendered unusable during the conflict.
Officials noted that the final number may still change as damage assessments continue and some operational details remain classified.
The CRS said its findings were compiled using official defence briefings, statements issued by US Central Command, and publicly available military reports.
The financial toll of the operation has also risen sharply. Testifying before a House Appropriations panel earlier this month, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III said the total projected cost of the Iran campaign has now reached approximately 29 billion dollars.
He told lawmakers that much of the revised figure reflects updated estimates for replacing and repairing damaged military equipment.
Defence experts say the scale of aircraft losses reflects the increasing risks faced by even technologically superior air forces when operating in contested environments with advanced anti-air capabilities.
Operation Epic Fury has become one of Washington’s most expensive and closely scrutinised military campaigns in recent years, raising fresh debate over the long-term costs of direct conflict in the region.
