A new congressional report has documented 81 US military aircraft lost or damaged during operations against Iran since February 28, 2026, highlighting the growing cost of the conflict.

The tally includes fighter jets, refueling aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems. At least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones were reported lost, accounting for more than half of the aircraft listed.

The report estimates equipment replacement costs at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on how the US military replaces damaged or destroyed assets.

However, the figure of 81 includes both damaged and destroyed aircraft, and some damaged aircraft may have returned to service. The report does not mean all 81 aircraft were shot down or permanently lost.