A newly released report prepared for the US Congress estimates that the United States military lost at least 42 aircraft during the 40-day conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with total losses valued at roughly around US$2.7 billion.

(News Article by Haifa Chairunisa)

The assessment, compiled using information from the Pentagon, US Central Command, and defense-related sources, indicates that the losses included fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, combat rescue helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Lawmakers noted that the final cost could be significantly higher, citing uncertainty over whether all combat-related losses have been fully accounted for.

According to the report, aircraft listed as destroyed or damaged include four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II, one A-10 Thunderbolt II, seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, and one E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft. The document also cited losses involving two MC-130J Commando II aircraft, one HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones, and one MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone.

The figures are broadly consistent with comments made by Democratic Congressman Ed Case during a recent Senate hearing, where he referred to reports indicating that approximately 39 US aircraft had been lost during the conflict. During the hearing, Case asked Pentagon Chief Financial Officer Jules Hurst whether the Defense Department had calculated the full replacement cost of the affected aircraft. Hurst declined to confirm the reported losses, stating that a comprehensive assessment was still required before repair and replacement costs could be determined.

The report follows earlier analysis by defense publication The War Zone, which said the US Air Force conducted nearly 13,000 sorties during the conflict. Congressional analysts warned that long-term replacement costs could substantially exceed current estimates, particularly for aircraft that are no longer in production.

One example highlighted in the assessment is the reported loss of an E-3 Sentry aircraft, which could require the Pentagon to reconsider replacement options, including the previously cancelled E-7 Wedgetail program. The report estimates that related procurement costs could exceed US$2.5 billion, while total aircraft replacement and associated expenses may eventually surpass US$7 billion.

The conflict began on February 28 and triggered extensive military operations across the region, including missile and drone strikes targeting military infrastructure and assets. During the fighting, both sides reported aircraft and drone interceptions, although many battlefield claims remain difficult to independently verify. US officials have not publicly confirmed the full extent of the aircraft losses cited in the congressional report.