At least 81 aircraft have been lost or damaged in U.S. military operations against Iran, according to a Congressional Research Service report. The figure includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The report said the aircraft lost or damaged since the attacks began on Feb. 28 had a combined value of $3.3 billion. The study, updated in October, noted that the number could increase as new information emerges.
MQ-9 Reapers accounted for the largest loss
The greatest losses in the operations against Iran involved MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. The report said at least 45 of these aircraft were lost.

The lost aircraft also included 12 F-15E Strike Eagles. The report said three of these aircraft were destroyed by friendly fire over Kuwaiti airspace in March.
Other losses and damage
- One F-35A Lightning II
- Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs
- Seven KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft
- One E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft

The study compiled data from Pentagon records, statements by U.S. Central Command, the findings of military inspectors general and press reports.
The Congressional Research Service also highlighted the potential pressure the losses could place on the U.S. defense industry. The report further warned about whether the Pentagon could rapidly replace the aircraft that were lost or damaged.