Washington: US military aircraft and drones have suffered significant losses during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to a new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), at least 81 US military aircraft, helicopters, and drones have been destroyed or damaged since the conflict began.
The total estimated cost of these losses ranges between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion.
The report indicates that these losses include several of the US military’s modern and critical aircraft, such as the F-35A Lightning II, F-15E Strike Eagle, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and E-3 Sentry. A large number of MQ-9 Reaper drones have also been destroyed.
Loss of 45 MQ-9 Reaper Drones
The US military has suffered the heaviest losses with the MQ-9 Reaper drone. According to the report, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost. These drones are utilized for intelligence gathering, surveillance, air support, and combat operations.
The estimated cost of a single MQ-9 Reaper ranges from approximately $30 million to $50 million.
A September report by the Atlantic Council noted that the US lost 45 MQ-9 drones in the Middle East alone this year,r a rate described as alarming.
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Loss of Fighter Jets Like the F-35 and F-15
The report states that the US military has lost 12 F-15E, one F-35A Lightning II, and two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. This damage also includes seven KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft.
According to reports, three American F-15 aircraft were accidentally shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait on March 2. Subsequently, in April, another F-15 aircraft was shot down over Iran.
In September, at least eight other F-15E aircraft sustained minor damage during Iranian attacks on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Some of these aircraft could potentially be returned to service after repairs.
E-3 Sentry Aircraft Also Destroyed
The US has also lost an E-3 Sentry aircraft. This aircraft is used for airborne surveillance of enemy aircraft and other targets, as well as for managing the entire airspace.
The E-3 Sentry costs approximately $270 million. It is an older but highly critical aircraft, and its numbers are limited. Consequently, concerns are being raised that its loss could impact US military capabilities in other regions.
Helicopters and Other Aircraft Also Destroyed
According to reports, the US has also lost one AH-64 Apache, four AH-6 Little Birds, and one MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter.
The losses also include two MC-130J Commando IIs, one HH-60W Jolly Green II, one MQ-4C Triton, and three MQ-1 drones.
Total Cost of the War is Immense
The cost of the aircraft and drone losses alone could reach approximately $3.3 billion. However, the total cost of the war against Iran is many times higher than this figure. According to the report, the total cost of the war has reached at least $45 billion.
There has also been a significant increase in the cost of weaponry used by the US military. By one estimate, spending on weaponry has risen from $21.7 billion to $28.1 billion.
Congress has raised several questions.
The CRS report states that the US Congress should review whether the Pentagon is providing adequate information regarding military losses. It also suggests determining the appropriate allocation of funds for repairing damaged or destroyed aircraft or for purchasing new ones.
The report also expresses concern over the existing shortage of certain critical and limited-inventory aircraft. Consequently, the loss of these aircraft could impact US military capabilities in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
However, the CRS has also clarified that this figure is not final. Some military information remains classified, and certain damaged aircraft could potentially return to service after repairs.
