Operation Epic Fury U.S. Aircraft Losses Visualized
Summary
Following over five weeks of sustained U.S. combat operations against Iran, a comprehensive accounting of American aircraft losses during Operation Epic Fury has emerged. Across 39 days of operations and more than 13,000 sorties flown, the United States confirmed the loss of at least 39 aircraft with an additional 10 sustaining varying degrees of damage, though actual figures are believed to be higher due to limitations in open-source verification. Unmanned aerial vehicles bore the brunt of the losses, with up to 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones destroyed, representing over 60% of total combat attrition. Five crewed aircraft were shot down in flight, including four F-15E Strike Eagles and one A-10 Warthog, while an F-35A sustained combat damage over Iranian airspace — a historic first for a fifth-generation fighter — though its pilot landed safely. Notably, roughly 20% of all losses were attributable to friendly fire or deliberate asset destruction, including three F-15Es downed over Kuwait.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The U.S. lost at least 39 aircraft and had 10 more damaged over 39 days of combat operations against Iran
- 2. Drone losses dominated attrition figures, with up to 24 MQ-9 Reapers destroyed, accounting for over 60% of total losses
- 3. An F-35A sustained combat damage over Iran, marking the first recorded instance of a fifth-generation fighter being hit in combat
- 4. Approximately 20% of losses resulted from friendly fire incidents or deliberate destruction to prevent asset capture
- 5. High-value platforms such as the E-3G Sentry airborne early warning aircraft were among the most significant and irreplaceable losses