US-Iran War: How many American aircraft were hit during Operation Epic Fury? Report reveals

The United States military reportedly lost or suffered heavy damage to 42 aircraft during the 40-day bombing campaign against Iran conducted jointly with Israel under “Operation Epic Fury”, according to a US Congressional report.

The report said the aircraft included fighter jets, helicopters, aerial refuelling aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems that were “reportedly lost or damaged in OEF, according to news reports and statements” issued by the US Department of Defence and the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Operation Epic Fury began on February 28

According to the report, military operations against Iran began on February 28, 2026, in coordination with Israel under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF).

“On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, initiated military operations against Iran under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF). The conflict has involved air, maritime, and missile combat engagements across the Middle East,” the report stated.

The report noted that combat operations slowed after a ceasefire in April, although some strikes resumed within weeks and “conditions remain fluid”.

Aircraft loss figures may change

It further stated that the number of aircraft damaged or destroyed could still change. “The number of aircraft damaged or destroyed may remain subject to revision due to multiple factors, which may include classification, ongoing combat activity, and attribution,” the report noted.

The report said the Department of Defence had not yet released a comprehensive assessment of combat losses linked to the operation.

Fighter jets, drones among damaged assets

According to the report, the aircraft losses and damages included four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, one F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft and one A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft.

The list also included seven KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft, one E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft and one HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter.

In addition, the report said the US military also lost or damaged 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone during the conflict.

Military operation cost rises to USD 29 billion

The report also referred to the financial cost of the military campaign. “During a May 12, 2026, hearing, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III testified that the department’s cost estimate for military operations in Iran has increased to USD 29 billion,” it stated.

Iran reacts to Congressional report

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reacted to the report by claiming that the US Congress had acknowledged major aircraft losses during the conflict. In a post on X, Araghchi said, “Months after initiation of war on Iran, US Congress acknowledges loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions.”

He also claimed that Iran’s armed forces had become the first military force to shoot down an F-35 fighter aircraft.“Our powerful Armed Forces are confirmed as 1st to strike down a touted F-35. With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to war will feature many more surprises,” Araghchi said in the post.

The report comes amid continuing tensions in the Middle East following the military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.

The conflict involved a series of air, missile and maritime operations across multiple locations in the region. While a ceasefire announced in April reduced the intensity of the fighting, the report noted that some military strikes resumed later, and the overall situation remains uncertain.

The Congressional report did not specify how many of the aircraft were destroyed and how many suffered varying levels of damage during the operation. It also did not provide details on the locations where the aircraft were reportedly hit or the specific circumstances surrounding the losses.

The Department of Defence and CENTCOM have not publicly issued a detailed breakdown of combat losses linked to Operation Epic Fury so far.