US aircraft losses in Iran's Operation Epic Fury: 81 planes, up to $3.3bn
Eighty-one US military aircraft, worth an estimated $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion, were lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury through August.
81 United States military aircraft have been lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury. The Congressional Budget Office says they cost $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion through August 1.
The losses included 12 F-15E Strike Eagle jets, 1 F-35A Lightning II jet, 7 KC-135 Stratotankers, and 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The total war cost has reached about $38 billion since February, including munitions, fuel, equipment, and operations.
An extra month would cost $2 billion, or $3 billion if fighting gets worse. No ceasefire has been reached.
The eight-month conflict is unpopular at home. Congress is demanding cost details before approving more money.
- 81
- Aircraft lost or damaged
- $1.9bn to $3.3bn
- Estimated cost of losses
- 45
- MQ-9 Reaper drones lost
- $38bn
- Total war cost since February
Why it mattersCongress is questioning whether taxpayers should fund an unpopular war that costs $2-3 billion monthly as election pressure mounts.
AustraliaAustralia has not directly participated, but the war's cost and unpopularity could reshape US Middle East policy and affect alliance operations.
Corroborated byedition.cnn.com·flightglobal.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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