Congressional Report Details Heavy U.S. Aircraft Losses in Operation Epic Fury
A Congressional Research Service report released on May 20, 2026, revealed that the United States has lost or sustained damage to at least 42 aircraft during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The losses include four F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A, and 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones. The report estimates the operational costs at $29 billion and warns that the high rate of attrition, exacerbated by both combat and friendly fire incidents, may impact long-term U.S. combat readiness and defense industrial capacity.
Date: May 20, 2026
Location: United States
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: other
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: Militarnyi