Report reveals US aircraft losses in Iran war

At least 81 destroyed or damaged American warplanes, helicopters, and drones could cost $3.3 billion, according to a paper by the Congressional Research Service At least 81 US aircraft have been lost since Washington and Israel started their war against Iran in late February, a report prepared for US lawmakers concludes.The cost of destroyed or damaged American warplanes, helicopters, and drones could reach $3.3 billion, according to the paper released by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Tuesday.The figures provided in the document are based on news reports and statements by the US Central Command and officials from the War Department, the CRS said. Congress previously criticized the Pentagon for its reluctance to provide a complete list of aircraft losses in the conflict.Some of the most advanced US warplanes have suffered hits, including one F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, which was damaged by Iranian fire on March 19, and 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, the report read. Three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire in Kuwait’s airspace in early March and another was hit over Iran the next month. Eight more suffered minor damage during Tehran’s missile attack on an a...