A Congressional Research Service report revised on 5 October lists 81 US fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including drones, as lost or damaged in operations against Iran since 28 February. The tally covers F-15E Strike Eagles, F-35A fighters, A-10s, KC-135 tankers, an E-3 Sentry, MQ-9 Reapers, MQ-4C Triton aircraft, MC-130Js and helicopters, and it is broader than total write-offs because damaged aircraft are included.
The updated count is not simply the result of 39 additional losses since an earlier May version that listed 42 aircraft. The CRS revision reflects new information, reclassification of prior incidents and newly identified losses, while some damaged aircraft may already have returned to service.
The report draws on US military statements, media coverage and findings from the Pentagon inspector general, and it treats the list as provisional rather than final. A Congressional Budget Office estimate cited in the update puts replacement costs for equipment lost through 1 August at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on how the Pentagon chooses to replace aircraft and other systems.