U.S. Air Force Lost 39 Aircraft in Conflict With Iran, Congressman Says

U.S. Lost One Aircraft a Day in Iran Conflict

Fred Turner, Editor

05:59 16-05-2026

Ed Case says the U.S. lost 39 aircraft in the Iran conflict, including MQ-9 drones, helicopters and an E-3 Sentry aircraft.

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U. S. Air Force losses during the conflict with Iran averaged one aircraft per day. Democratic Congressman Ed Case made the statement at a Senate special committee hearing.

According to his figures, the United States lost 39 aircraft, while another 10 received various types of damage.

One of the heaviest episodes of the conflict was the attempt to evacuate the crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iranian territory. The operation led to additional losses: ten more American and Israeli aircraft were destroyed, including HH-60W and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, an A-10 attack aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Most of the losses were drones. According to the estimates cited, Iran destroyed 24 MQ-9 drones, each worth about $150 million. The destruction of an E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft at a base in Saudi Arabia is also listed among the most painful blows.