42 US military aircraft lost or damaged so far in Iran war

At least 42 U.S. military aircraft have been lost or damaged during the Iran war, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

The lost or damaged aircraft include fighter jets, helicopters and drones, the May 13 report notes. 

Among the losses are four F-15E fighter jets, one F-35A fighter, one A-10 ground-attack aircraft, seven KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, one E-3 airborne early warning-and-control system aircraft (AWACS), two MC-130J special operations aircraft, one HH-60W combat search-and-rescue helicopter, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone.

The Congressional Research Service gathered the information via news reports and statements by the Defense Department and U.S. Central Command (Centcom).

It said it remains unclear how the losses may affect the Defense Department’s “ability to meet current operational requirements, maintain global force posture, and respond to unforeseen contingencies.”

The Hill has reached out to the Pentagon and........

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