What Happened?
The U.S. Military has lost 81 aircraft including drones in its operations against Iran since Feb 28, according to the nonpartisan research office in Congress. That loss, according to the Congressional Budget Office translates to $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion depending on how the Defense Department choses to replace them. [](#ngr-d94e87c7-4166-4fe0-aa94-fc42a69a00ae)
The largest single category of losses is 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The list also includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, and an AH-64 Apache helicopter shot down over the Strait of Hormuz.
One KC-135 crashed in Iraq on March 12, killing all six crew members.
The tally draws on news reports and statements from the Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Central Command, and the DOD inspector general, and includes aircraft that were damaged but later returned to service.
Why Does it Matter to Me?
Replacing the aircraft and drone will require billions of taxpayer dollars. Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28, when the U.S., in coordination with Israel, launched military operations against Iran. The administration did not ask nor did it get approval from Congress.
Combat declined after an April ceasefire but resumed within weeks.
What Happens Next?
The report flags several questions Congress may examine: whether the DOD has shared adequate information about losses and replacement plans, whether the defense industrial base can produce replacements fast enough, and whether the losses point to needed changes in equipment, tactics, or basing.
The report identified no specific replacement plan or funding request from the DOD as of its publication. Congress holds the power to approve any supplemental funding needed, and the CRS report suggests lawmakers could press the DOD for a clearer accounting.
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