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US lost or damaged 81 aircraft worth up to $3.3bn in Iran war, CBO report finds

Report highlights cost of Operation Epic Fury as conflict enters eighth month without ceasefire

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
At least 81 United States military aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, have been lost or damaged during Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, according to a report released Monday by the Congressional Budget Office. The nonpartisan agency estimated the cost of the losses at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion as of August 1.

The CBO report, which covers the period since the war began on February 28, lists 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II jet, seven KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft, and 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones among the 81 aircraft affected.

Harlan Ullman, a former naval officer and chairman of the Killowen Group, a government advisory firm, told Al Jazeera that the losses demonstrate how smaller militaries can inflict damage on larger forces. "The asymmetries of warfare show that even small countries with small militaries can inflict damage on the world's best militaries," he said. "Iran has plenty of US targets available, and you can imagine what a small drone can do to a major military asset."

The report comes as the conflict continues into its eighth month without a lasting ceasefire. Experts point to the evolving nature of modern warfare, where low-cost drones have become widely available and effective. Recent examples include the sudden departure of a dozen US aircraft from Royal Air Force Fairford in the UK over fears of a drone attack.

The rising costs of the war have also placed political pressure on the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the administration requested a record $1.5 trillion in defence spending for fiscal year 2027, citing the demands of the conflict. The price tag has sparked scepticism in Congress, particularly among Democrats.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The scale of aircraft losses raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of US military operations in the Iran campaign.
  • The growing financial cost, now estimated in the billions, is fueling political debate in Washington over defence spending and war strategy.
  • The success of low-cost drone attacks against advanced US hardware signals a shift in modern warfare that could influence future conflicts and military procurement.

Background

The US-Israeli campaign against Iran, code-named Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28. The conflict has involved extensive air operations, including strikes and support missions. The Congressional Budget Office report is the first detailed public accounting of aircraft losses since the war began. The use of drones by Iran and its allies has been a recurring challenge, mirroring trends seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, where smaller forces have used inexpensive unmanned systems to damage high-value assets.

Key Perspectives

US Military and Administration: The losses are presented as part of the cost of a major military campaign, with the administration seeking record defence funding to maintain operations and replace equipment. Iran: The reported damage demonstrates Iran's ability to target US assets, potentially strengthening its negotiating position and deterrence posture. Critics in Congress: The rising price tag and lack of a ceasefire have led to scepticism about the war's objectives and the administration's handling of the conflict.

What to Watch

  • Further CBO updates as the conflict continues, which may show additional losses or cost increases.
  • The congressional debate over the $1.5 trillion defence budget request for fiscal year 2027.
  • Any escalation or de-escalation signals, particularly around drone attacks on allied bases.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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