U.S. Aircraft and drone losses from Iran conflict could cost up to $3.3 Billion to replace

The reported toll of U.S. military aircraft and drones impacted during operations against Iran has risen to at least 81, as per an updated Congressional Research Service report. The equipment losses are estimated to have a replacement charge of between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, based on a Congressional Budget Office estimate.

The CRS report was updated Oct. 5 and features a major increase from the 42 aircraft identified in its May report. Its tally covers fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and uncrewed systems that were damaged, destroyed, shot down or lost in accidents since Operation Epic Fury started on Feb. 28.

Aircraft count is not final

The CRS figure should not be interpreted as a total of aircraft that have been permanently destroyed.


The report cited that some aircraft listed as damaged have returned to service. It also cautioned that the numbers could change because of classified details, continuing combat activity and uncertainty in attribution.

The equipment replacement estimate is separate from the aircraft count. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the 1.9billion-to-3.3 billion range with losses recorded through Aug. 1 and various possible Pentagon replacement plans.

MQ-9 Reapers make up most of the losses

Unmanned systems feature the largest portion of the reported losses.

The CRS report finds 45 MQ-9 Reapers, alongside three MQ-1 drones and one MQ-4C Triton.

MQ-9 Reapers have been utilized for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can also conduct precision strikes. Their estimated amount ranges from $30 million to $50 million each, depending on configuration and equipment.

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F-15E Strike Eagles among damaged and destroyed aircraft

Twelve F-15E Strike Eagles appear on the CRS list.

Three were destroyed over Kuwait in March in incidents explained by the U.S. Central Command as friendly fire. Another F-15E was destroyed over Iran in April.

Eight more F-15Es were lightly damaged in Iranian attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan last month. As per the report, those aircraft subsequently returned to service.

The F-15E is a twin-engine fighter made for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and has been utilized in U.S. operations in the area.

F-35A Lightning II and E-3 Sentry also affected

The report finds one F-35A Lightning II that was damaged after coming under Iranian fire on March 19. The aircraft is valued at over $92 million.

An E-3 Sentry airborne early-warning and control aircraft is also included among the losses. The aircraft is at around $270 million and offers airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities.

KC-135 aircraft among support losses

Seven KC-135 Stratotankers are included in the CRS tally.

One crashed in Iraq in March, killing all six crew members. Another KC-135 made an emergency landing following the same incident.

Five extra aircraft were damaged on the ground in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

KC-135 aircraft offer aerial refueling, allowing U.S. aircraft to conduct operations over longer distances.

Aircraft involved in rescue operations

The CRS report also has aircraft connected to the April rescue of the crew from an F-15E that had been downed over Iran.

Two MC-130J aircraft involved in the mission were intentionally destroyed after they were unable to take off. An HH-60W rescue helicopter was also damaged.

Other aircraft listed in the report

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft are included in the CRS assessment. One was lost in April, while another sustained damage during the September attack on the Jordanian air base.

The broader list also has one MQ-4C Triton, three MQ-1 drones, one AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, four AH-6 Little Bird helicopters and one MH-60 Sea Hawk.

Replacement costs estimated at up to $3.3 billion

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that replacing the equipment lost through Aug. 1 could charge between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion. The range depends on the Pentagon's decisions regarding how the lost equipment would be replaced.

The $3.3 billion figure is therefore an estimate for the wider equipment losses rather than a direct valuation of the 81 aircraft and drones.

The CRS also stressed that its figures continue to be subject to change. Continuing combat operations, classification restrictions and questions regarding attribution could affect the final tally, while some aircraft already identified as damaged have returned to service.

Source: KOMO News and The Pioneer

FAQs

1. How many U.S. aircraft and drones have been affected?

The updated CRS report lists at least 81 aircraft and drones that were lost or damaged.

2. When was the CRS report updated?

The Congressional Research Service updated the report on Oct. 5.