Washington: A recent report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) claims that the American military suffered significant losses during the 40-day conflict with Iran. According to the report, 42 U.S. military aircraft were either destroyed or heavily damaged during the war. Among them was the highly advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet, considered one of America’s most sophisticated combat aircraft.
Analysis of the reported losses suggests that most of the American aircraft were hit during the final phase of the conflict.
The report also indicates that Iran made highly effective use of its limited air defense resources against both U.S. and Israeli forces. Here is a look at how Iran allegedly managed to target advanced American fighter jets like the F-35 and F-15.
Aircraft Losses Reportedly Suffered by the US
According to the report, the U.S. losses included:
- 1 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jet
- 4 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets
- 1 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft
- 7 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft
- 1 E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft
- 2 MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft
- 1 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter
- 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones
- 1 MQ-4C Triton drone
How Were US Aircraft Damaged?
The first major setback reportedly occurred early in the war. On March 2, U.S. Central Command announced that three F-15E fighter jets were lost over Kuwait due to what was described as a friendly fire incident. All six crew members managed to eject safely.
The fourth F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran on April 5 during an ongoing military operation. Both crew members ejected successfully and were later rescued in a major recovery mission. During that rescue effort, two MC-130J Commando II aircraft had to be destroyed by U.S. forces after becoming inoperable.
Attack on the F-35
One of the biggest reported shocks for the United States came on March 19 during “Operation Epic Fury,” when Iran allegedly succeeded in targeting an F-35A stealth fighter inside Iranian airspace.
Although the aircraft managed to make an emergency landing at a nearby U.S. military base, the incident was significant because it was reportedly the first time a fifth-generation American stealth fighter had been successfully engaged mid-air. The jet was said to have suffered damage during the attack.
How Did Iran Allegedly Target the F-35?
While official investigations are still ongoing, Eurasian Times quoted analysts claiming that Iran may have used a missile-drone hybrid system known as “Product-358” to target the F-35.
The weapon, also referred to as the 358 missile or SA-67, is described as a loitering surface-to-air missile designed to counter drones, helicopters, and low-flying or slow-moving aircraft at relatively low cost.
Experts describe it as a hybrid between a missile and a kamikaze-style loitering munition. Once launched, it can patrol a designated airspace and independently search for, intercept, or attack targets.
F-15 and A-10 Also Reportedly Hit
Iran reportedly shot down an F-15E fighter jet on April 3. Iranian state media claimed the aircraft was destroyed using a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system similar to the Third Khordad air defense system.
However, American officials and defense analysts disputed the claim, suggesting instead that the aircraft may have been struck by a MANPADS (man-portable air-defense system) in a lucky low-altitude hit.
Iran is believed to possess hundreds of shoulder-fired MANPADS, including Russian-made 9K38 Igla missiles and locally produced copies. Analysts say the F-15 was likely flying at low altitude, making it vulnerable to such weapons.
On the same day, an American A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was also reportedly shot down during a search-and-rescue mission over the Persian Gulf. Experts believe it may have been hit by either a short- or medium-range surface-to-air missile or a MANPADS while operating at low altitude.