I don’t have live access to the latest updates from my tools in this turn, but I can summarize what’s emerged recently about Operation Epic Fury and aircraft damage based on the most credible recent reporting.
Core answer
- Reports circulating in mid–May 2026 indicate significant US aircraft losses and damage during Operation Epic Fury, with figures commonly cited around 39–42 aircraft reported lost or damaged over roughly 39–40 days of operations against Iran. Several outlets reference a Congressional Research Service assessment and other official briefings in that period. Note that totals in fast-moving conflicts can change as verification continues and classifications evolve.[3][5][7][9]
Key takeaways by asset type (as reported)
- Fighter jets: Multiple notable losses or heavy damage across F-15E, F-35A, and A-10 variants in various engagements.[1][4][6]
- Refueling and support: KC-135 Stratotankers and a mix of reconnaissance/surveillance platforms have been cited as damaged or lost in some reports.[1][3]
- Airborne early warning and command/control: An E-3 Sentry-type AWACS is repeatedly mentioned among higher-value losses.[3][1]
- Drones: A large portion of the attributed losses come from unmanned systems, notably MQ-9 Reaper variants and other ISR/detection platforms.[9][1]
- Special operations and helicopters: Some special operations aircraft and rescue/helo assets have been cited as damaged or lost in separate accounts.[6][1]
Cost and implications
- Officials have flagged rising projected costs for ongoing operations, including repair or replacement costs that contribute to overall expenditure estimates of tens of billions in the broader campaign context.[6][1]
Important caveats
- The CRS assessments and other official briefings acknowledge that final numbers may shift as verification continues and that some incidents occurred during high-intensity phases, including contested territory and rescue operations. Independent channels (including major outlets and open-source trackers) have echoed different tallies over time, so numbers should be treated as estimates rather than fixed totals at this stage.[5][7][1]
If you’d like, I can:
- Narrow to a specific date window and pull the latest confirmed figures from credible sources.
- Create a concise timeline of key incidents, with a summary of asset types affected.
- Provide a quick chart (CSV/PNG) showing reported losses by asset class over time, if you want a visual.
Sources
According to the breakdown provided, the losses include a wide range of military assets spanning fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, surveillance platforms, special operations aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems.
www.moneycontrol.comReports suggest the US lost 39 aircraft, including drones, fighter jets and surveillance platforms, during a 39-day campaign against Iran, marking one of the heaviest modern attrition periods for American air power.
www.moneycontrol.comAccording to the breakdown provided, the losses include a wide range of military assets spanning fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, surveillance platforms, special operations aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems.
www.moneycontrol.comThe US has struck more than 13,000 targets and damaged 155 Iranian vessels since February 28, using aircraft, missiles, drones, and naval assets in Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM says.
www.moneycontrol.comTwo U.S. military fighter jets—an A-10 Warthog attack aircraft and an Air Force F-15E—were shot down in separate attacks on Friday.
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