The United States lost or damaged 42 aircraft during Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign conducted against Iran [1], [2].
These losses highlight the intensity of the aerial combat and the risks faced by U.S. aviation units during the 40-day operation [2].
The campaign began on Feb. 28, 2026, and lasted approximately 40 days [1], [2]. During this period, the U.S. Air Force and other military aviation units operated in combat zones across Iran and western Iraq [1], [3].
Reports indicate that the majority of the losses were unmanned systems. The U.S. lost 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone [1]. In addition to these unmanned losses, four crewed aircraft were shot down, and another two crewed aircraft were destroyed while on the ground [1].
The military confirmed the loss of one KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft in western Iraq [3]. This loss occurred as part of the broader effort to maintain air superiority and support combat missions during the campaign.
While some reports state 42 aircraft were lost in combat [1], a Congressional Research Service report specifies that 42 aircraft were either lost or damaged [2].
Throughout the operation, the U.S. military conducted rescue operations to recover crews from downed aircraft [1]. Iran has since displayed wreckage from some of the aircraft lost during the campaign [3].
“The United States lost or damaged 42 aircraft during Operation Epic Fury.”
The scale of aircraft losses, particularly the high number of drones compared to crewed aircraft, reflects a modern combat strategy that prioritizes unmanned systems for high-risk missions. However, the loss of a KC-135 refueling plane and several crewed jets indicates that Iranian defenses were capable of challenging U.S. air superiority and targeting critical support infrastructure.
