A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) released on Monday, October 5, 2026, states that at least 81 U.S. military aircraft and drones have been damaged or destroyed since the war against Iran began on February 28, 2026. The report, prepared for members of Congress, provides a detailed account of equipment losses across multiple branches of the military during the conflict, which the U.S. military has designated Operation Epic Fury.
The U.S. launched the war alongside Israel in late February. Since then, the conflict has involved Iranian military strikes against U.S. installations across the Persian Gulf, including bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. While the Trump administration has defended the military campaign, a separate report from the Department of Defense inspector general confirmed that the war has resulted in hundreds of damaged buildings and a significant depletion of U.S. munition stockpiles.
According to the CRS findings, U.S. losses include 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, three MQ-1 Predators, and one MQ-4C Triton. The fighter fleet has also sustained damage, including 12 F-15E Strike Eagles—three of which were destroyed by friendly fire in Kuwait—and two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Additionally, seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling planes were affected, including one that crashed in Iraq on March 12, killing all six crew members. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) declined to comment on the CRS report.
Beyond the financial cost, the conflict has resulted in 11 U.S. military personnel killed in action and seven deaths in non-hostile events as of June 30. An additional 417 personnel were reported wounded. The Congressional Budget Office has warned that these rising costs and the broader economic impact of the war, including the near-total blockage of the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint, could drive up domestic inflation for American households starting in early 2027.
The findings set a precedent for congressional oversight of the executive branch's war-making powers. On Tuesday, October 6, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the third time to approve a measure that would require President Trump to end U.S. military action against Iran unless he receives specific congressional approval. The measure now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.