The U.S. lost dozens of aircraft and drones during Operation "Epic Fury" against Iran
The United States suffered significant losses of aircraft and drones during the Epic Fury military operation in the Middle East. In total, the Pentagon lost or damaged at least 42 pieces of advanced equipment.
This is reported by the Military portal and a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS).
According to the document, the brunt of the operation, which began on February 28, fell on the U.S. Air Force.
Among the lost or damaged equipment:
- four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets;
- one F-35A Lightning II fighter jet;
- one A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft;
- seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft;
- one E-3 Sentry long-range early warning aircraft.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) suffered the heaviest losses. The U.S. lost 24 MQ-9 Reaper strike and reconnaissance drones, as well as one MQ-4C Triton strategic drone.
The report notes that some of the losses were not due to enemy action. For example, three F-15E fighters were destroyed by “friendly fire” over Kuwait. Another KC-135 tanker crashed in Iraq due to technical malfunctions and a complex situation in the air.
According to CRS estimates, the cost of Operation Epic Fury has already reached $29 billion. A significant portion of these funds will go toward replenishing the U.S. Air Force’s fleet and compensating for combat losses.
The report’s authors emphasize that certain types of equipment are produced in limited quantities, so every loss—especially that of an F-35 fighter jet—is a serious blow to the United States’ strategic capabilities.
The United States has concluded Operation Epic Fury, an offensive operation against Iran that began in February. Washington is now transitioning to the defensive mission “Project Freedom,” whose primary goal is to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States will not allow Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to hold talks with the President of Iran. The French leader has not yet disclosed any details of the upcoming negotiations.
