More than 80 planes worth up to $3 billion damaged or lost in Iran war, report finds

A Congressional Research Service report says the U.S. military has suffered losses of 81 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and drones worth up to $3.3 billion during President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, launched after airstrikes on Tehran with Israel on February 28. The tally includes an F-35A fighter and an E-3 Sentry, while MQ-9 Reaper drones account for more than half of the losses. Using Congressional Budget Office figures, the report estimates replacement costs at $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion depending on whether the Pentagon replaces the assets. Some aircraft, including eight lightly damaged F-15 Strike Eagles from attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, returned to service. The report also notes 19 U.S. soldiers killed and hundreds injured.