Operation Epic Fury: 42 Aircraft Lost or Damaged
Since the commencement of hostilities with Iran, the U.S. military has experienced significant aviation losses, with at least 42 aircraft damaged or lost overall. A key contributor to these losses includes 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones, each valued at approximately $30 million. The conflict, initiated by joint American-Israeli strikes, has also seen the loss of an F-15E fighter jet, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, and two MC-130J special operations aircraft, among other incidents including a KC-135 refueling tanker crash. These figures emerge as lawmakers seek greater transparency on the costs and outcomes of Operation Epic Fury, which has already incurred an estimated $29 billion in military operational expenses.
John Q. Hosedrinker