News
US and Israel Suffer Aircraft Losses in Conflict with Iran
The United States and Israel have experienced notable aircraft and military system losses during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Iran's employment of relatively low-cost tactics has seemingly impacted some advanced, expensive military equipment.
Since the start of the conflict, the U.S. has sustained damage to 16 aircraft, including a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones, according to *The Times of India*. The U.S. has extensively used these drones in operations in West Asia. The U.S. also lost three F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets in Kuwait on March 2, reportedly due to friendly fire; that incident remains under investigation. Analysts had not anticipated Iran inflicting such damage, given years of sanctions and an aging air force. Tehran has demonstrated the potential vulnerability of even billion-dollar platforms. The U.S. and Israel have inflicted heavy damage on Iran's military capabilities.
Key Facts
- The United States and Israel have lost over two dozen aircraft and multiple military systems in the war with Iran.
- Iran is assessed to have damaged at least 17 aircraft in 21 days of conflict.
- Reportedly damaged assets include THAAD radar systems and an F-35 stealth fighter jet.
- The U.S. has sustained damage to 16 aircraft, including 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
- Each MQ-9 Reaper drone costs up to US$56.5 million.
- Drone losses alone exceed US$500 million.
- Three F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets were lost in Kuwait on March 2.
- The F-15 incident is reportedly due to friendly fire and remains under investigation.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — Iran's 21-day assault: Full list of US military losses and damage - The Times of India