Congressional Report Reveals 81 US Aircraft Lost or Damaged in Iran Operations

• by Shimanta Das
• October 9, 2026

A newly updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has disclosed that 81 US aircraft were reportedly lost or damaged during military operations against Iran. The report, updated on October 5, 2026, draws on military statements, news reports, and findings from the Defense Department’s inspector general. Its tally includes both destroyed and damaged aircraft, with researchers noting that some damaged aircraft may have returned to service. The count covers crewed airplanes, helicopters, and drones, and spans operations in regions including western Iraq and the Arabian Sea.

The deadliest single loss on the list remains the March 12 crash of a KC-135 Stratotanker in western Iraq, which killed all six crew members. The report also highlights that the remaining three of the 12 Strike Eagles on the list were the war’s first aircraft losses. Additionally, the CRS noted a sudden movement of bombers from a key air base in England, though details remain sparse. The war’s cost has also climbed significantly since May, underscoring the escalating financial burden of the conflict.

However, the CRS cautioned that its count “may remain subject to revision due to multiple factors, which may include classification, ongoing combat activity, and attribution.” This caveat suggests that the true number of aircraft lost or damaged could be higher or lower as more information becomes available. The report’s reliance on multiple sources, including inspector general findings, adds credibility but also reflects the challenges of tracking losses in a dynamic combat environment.

As operations continue, the CRS tally serves as a critical benchmark for understanding the material toll of the conflict. With aircraft losses ranging from high-value tankers to unmanned systems, the report underscores the diverse risks faced by US forces. The ongoing revision process means the final accounting may not be known for some time, but the current figures already paint a sobering picture of the war’s impact on US air assets.