A US Congress Research Service report (CRS) of October 5th identifies 81 military aircraft lost or damaged since the start of US operations against Iran on February 28, 2026.
According to CNN, the report includes fighter aircraft, fuel supply aircraft, helicopters and nonpilot aircraft. The data is collected by Pentagon statements, American Central Command and media reports.
45 Reaper Fears Amid Greater Loss
MQ-9 reactors make up most of the list, with 45 vehicles reported missing.
These fears are used for detection, surveillance, targeting targets and supporting military operations.
According to the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, the list also includes up to 12 F-15E fighter aircraft Eagle Strike and seven fuel supply planes KC-135 Stratothanker.
Among the affected tools is an F-35A Lighting II, one of the most advanced aircraft in the American arsenal.
The report also cites an E-3 Sentry aircraft, which is used for monitoring airspace and co-ordinating military operations.
Not all planes have been destroyed
The CRS warns that the figure of 81 tools should not be interpreted as the number of fully destroyed aircraft.
Some have suffered minor injuries and have returned to the ministry.
CNN reports that eight F-15E aircraft were damaged during an Iranian air base attack on Muwaffaq Salti in Jordan in September, but were later considered capable of operations.
The report also includes incidents not directly related to Iranian blows, including accidents and cases of friendly fire.
On March 2nd, three US F-15E aircraft crashed over Kuwait after being accidentally hit by Kuwait's aircraft. The six crew members managed to escape.
How much did war cost the Pentagon? *
According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), replacing lost military equipment by August 1st could cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on the decision on new purchases.
This amount does not represent only the value of 81 air vehicles and does not involve all the costs of war.
CNN reports, referring to informed sources, that the overall cost of conflict has reached at least $45 billion.
This assessment does not include all the damage caused in the infrastructure of American military bases in the Middle East.
Congress Seeks Answers to Military Status
The report raises questions about the American Army's ability to replace lost equipment and maintain operational capacities in other regions of the world.
According to Stars and Stripes, lawmakers can consider whether the American defence industry has enough capacity to produce aircraft and fears new ones within the necessary deadlines.
Another issue is Pentagon transparency over Congress of damage and repair plans or replacement equipment.
The CRS stresses that the number of affected tools could change, as operations continue and some of the information remains classified.
The Pentagon has not yet published a single and final balance of all American air losses in this conflict.
The new report offers a fuller picture of the military cost of war, while discussions continue in Washington on financing operations and preparing American forces for future challenges.
