US Air Force suffers heavy losses during Operation Epic Fury in Iran
US aircraft refueling in midair during operation in Iran (photo: US Central Command)
The United States suffered significant aviation losses during the military operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Pentagon lost or damaged at least 42 units of modern equipment, according to an updated report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) prepared for the US Congress.
According to the report, aviation took the main blow from the very beginning of operation, which started on February 28.
Here is what equipment and aircraft the United States lost or damaged:
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Five fighter jets, including four F-15E Strike Eagles and one advanced F-35A Lightning II;
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Legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft;
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Seven KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft;
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E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft.
Drones suffered the most. The United States lost 24 very expensive MQ-9 Reaper strike-reconnaissance drones. The Iranian sky also "swallowed" one MQ-4C Triton strategic reconnaissance drone.
However, the enemy was not the only reason for losses. Some aircraft crashed because of fatal system malfunctions and air defense incidents. Three F-15E fighter jets were destroyed by friendly fire over Kuwait territory. Another refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq because of technical problems and air chaos.
How much operation in Iran cost
According to the report, the figure has now reached $29 billion. Most of this money will go toward covering gaps in the Air Force budget.
Authors of the CRS report warn about consequences. Some platforms exist in limited numbers, and every lost F-35 is a blow to the strategic advantage of the United States.
Latest news on the US-Iran confrontation
The Senate does not like such losses, spending, and economic crisis caused by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, for the first time, the Senate voted to limit Trump's actions in Iran with the approval of Congress.
Tehran also officially published its conditions for a peace agreement with the United States. Among other things, there is a point about compensation payments. The United States, of course, would have to pay.
Alongside Iranian demands, it also became known that the United States may temporarily ease oil sanctions against Iran and allow limited peaceful nuclear activity during negotiations.
