World · India Bureau
US military loses dozens of aircraft in Iran operations
The United States has lost 81 military aircraft during operations related to tensions with Iran, including advanced fighter jets and surveillance drones valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
LSN India ·
The losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets and 45 MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, according to military assessments. Each F-15E aircraft carries a price tag exceeding $30 million, making them among the most expensive conventional warplanes in the US inventory.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, which form a critical component of American aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, are valued between $30 million and $50 million per unit. The loss of 45 such systems represents a significant depletion of resources dedicated to regional operations.
The cumulative value of the lost equipment runs into several billion dollars, reflecting the substantial financial and operational costs of sustained military engagement in the region. The losses underscore the challenges faced by the US military in maintaining its operational tempo while managing equipment attrition.
The F-15E and MQ-9 platforms have been central to US military operations across the Middle East for years. The aircraft losses have prompted reviews of operational procedures and force protection measures in the region.