The US military has lost or sustained damage to 81 aircraft during its war with Iran, with the affected platforms valued at as much as $3.3 billion, according to a Congressional Research Service report.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the aircraft replacement cost at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on Pentagon plans. The broader Iran war has cost at least $45 billion, according to sources cited by CNN, excluding damage to US military infrastructure in the region.
Some damaged aircraft have returned to service. Eight F-15E Strike Eagles reportedly sustained light damage during an Iranian strike on a Jordanian air base.
The CRS said Congress needs clearer Pentagon reporting to assess repairs, replacements, industrial capacity and potential capability gaps. MQ-9 losses have been particularly severe, with 45 reportedly lost in the Middle East this year.
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US military has lost 81 planes, drones and helicopters worth $3.3 billion in Iran war: report https://t.co/NB03vBMKXU https://t.co/nQhVHYwxH2
— New York Post (@nypost) October 6, 2026
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