DID Press: A new assessment by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) claims that the United States lost or sustained serious damage to a total of 42 military aircraft during its conflict with Iran, marking what analysts describe as one of the most significant equipment losses in recent decades.
According to the report, the U.S. Air Force faced extensive damage across multiple platforms, including fighter jets, support aircraft, and strategic unmanned systems.
The document states that four F-15E Strike Eagle jets and one A-10 Thunderbolt II were completely destroyed. It also reports that one F-35A Lightning II was operationally damaged following Iranian surface-to-air fire.
In the aerial refueling and support category, seven KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft were reportedly targeted, with two destroyed and five damaged. The report also notes damage to one E-3 Sentry (AWACS) and the destruction of two MC-130J Commando II aircraft.
In the helicopter segment, one HH-60W Jolly Green II was damaged by small-arms fire.
The most significant losses were recorded in the unmanned aerial systems fleet, with 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton reportedly destroyed. Analysts say the figures reflect the intensity of the conflict and suggest the effectiveness of Iranian air defense capabilities during the confrontation.