The US Air Strike Exposed: 81 Aircraft Hit — and the Crazy Price Tag

A new report by the US Congressional Research Service reveals that the US military has lost at least 81 aircraft during the war against Iran, at a cumulative cost of $3.3 billion. Among the losses: 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, advanced fighter jets, attack helicopters, and refueling aircraft. The report warns of damage to supply chains.

A new report by the US Congressional Research Service, published in the New York Post, reveals the extent of heavy losses suffered by the US military in the war against Iran. At least 81 military aircraft were damaged or lost, at a cumulative cost of at least $3.3 billion. The most significant impact was on the unmanned aerial vehicle fleet: at least 45 advanced MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at $30 to $50 million each, were lost. This loss reduced the fleet to just 135 aircraft, far below the required readiness level of 189 drones. Additionally, the report indicates the loss of an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft worth $270 million, two A-10 Warthog attack aircraft, seven KC-135 refueling aircraft, two MC-130J transport aircraft, an AH-64 Apache helicopter, four AH-6 Little Bird helicopters, and an MH-60 helicopter. The report, based on media reports and Department of Defense data, warns that the losses could test supply chains and the defense industry's ability to replace lost aircraft.