The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) has released data on American aviation losses during Operation Enduring Freedom against Iran and its allies. According to the agency, 42 aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles were lost or damaged during the operation.

The special review noted that military operations began on February 28, 2026. The US, in coordination with Israel, launched Operation Epic Fury. In April, hostilities were paused due to a ceasefire, but strikes later resumed. The situation in the region remains unstable.

It is clarified that the final number of damaged or destroyed equipment may be revised due to secrecy and ongoing hostilities. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense has not yet provided a full official assessment of losses.

According to the report, damaged aircraft include: 4 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters (three destroyed by friendly fire over Kuwait, crews rescued; one shot down over Iran, crew evacuated); 1 F-35A Lightning II (damaged by ground fire); 1 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft (hit by fire, crashed during pilot evacuation); 7 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft (one crashed in Iraq, six crew members killed; one made an emergency landing; five damaged on the ground in Saudi Arabia); 1 E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft (damaged on the ground); 2 MC-130J Commando II aircraft (destroyed on the ground in Iran, crews evacuated); 1 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter (damaged by small arms fire); 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones (lost since the start of military operations); 1 MQ-4C Triton drone (crashed).

Source: kun.uz