This month, the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report stating that the US has reportedly lost or damaged 42 aircraft during Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran in February 2026.The losses span fighters, refueling aircraft, helicopters and drones, highlighting the scale and intensity of the air campaign.
Reported losses included four F-15E Strike Eagles, three of which were destroyed by friendly fire over Kuwait in March, and another shot down over Iran on April, alongside one damaged F-35A stealth fighter, one A-10 Thunderbolt II destroyed after taking enemy fire, seven KC-135 refueling aircraft, an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, two MC-130J special operations aircraft, one HH-60W rescue helicopter, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone.