81 U.S. Aircraft and Drones Destroyed During Iran War: U.S. Congressional Report

A report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) says that at least 81 American fighter jets, helicopters, and drones were destroyed or damaged during U.S. military operations against Iran.  According to the revised CRS report dated October 5, the United States, in cooperation with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, under the name “Operation Epic Fury.” The operation involved air, naval, and missile strikes across the Middle East.

The report states that during the war, 81 U.S. military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including unmanned drones, were destroyed or damaged. The figures were compiled using information from the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Central Command, the Department of Defense Inspector General, and media reports.  The report cautioned that the number of affected aircraft should not be considered final and could change due to various factors, including the evolving nature of the conflict, the classification of certain information, and difficulties in determining responsibility for damage to individual aircraft. According to the CRS, some aircraft that sustained damage have already been returned to service. Therefore, the figure of 81 does not mean that all of the aircraft have been permanently removed from the U.S. military fleet.

The report also noted that the U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimated in September that replacing military equipment destroyed or damaged during the war could cost between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion as of August 1. The final cost will depend on how and to what extent the U.S. Department of Defense replaces the destroyed or damaged equipment. According to the report, military operations declined for a period following a ceasefire in April, but attacks resumed several weeks later, and the situation remains fluid.