Here is the complete list of 42 US aircraft destroyed by Iran
WASHINGTON — The United States Congress has disclosed that 42 military aircraft of the country were destroyed in joint strikes against Iran. The attacks, which began on 28 February 2026, also left dozens of U.S. combat aircraft, helicopters, and even drones damaged or destroyed across the Middle East.
The military operation was conducted by Washington in concert with Israel, involving air, maritime, and missile strikes against Iran. The intensity of fighting waned after a ceasefire in April, but in recent weeks some strikes have resumed and the situation is described as highly dynamic.
The United States Department of Defense has not yet released a comprehensive report on total combat losses during the operation. However, in a hearing on 12 May 2026, the acting Comptroller for the Pentagon’s Office of Budget said that the estimated cost of war had risen sharply.
According to the US Congress, reports from various media, and official statements from the Pentagon and United States Central Command (CENTCOM), at least 42 American manned and unmanned aircraft were reported damaged or destroyed during the operation. Here is the list:
4 combat aircraft F-15E Strike Eagle
On 2 March 2026, CENTCOM reported that three F-15Es were shot down and destroyed by friendly fire in Kuwait; all six crew members escaped safely and were recovered.
On 5 April 2026, CENTCOM reported that one F-15E was shot down and destroyed during combat operations in Iran; both aircrew were recovered safely during a separate search-and-rescue operation.
1 combat aircraft F-35A Lightning II
A news report dated 19 March 2026 stated that Iranian ground fire damaged one F-35A during combat operations in Iran. This was the first confirmed instance of the world’s most advanced fighter being shot down. The U.S. had previously denied that Iran had shot down the F-35A.
1 ground-attack aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II
In a 6 April 2026 press conference, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General of the Air Force Dan Caine stated that on 3 April, enemy fire hit one A-10, which subsequently crashed and was destroyed during a search-and-rescue operation; the pilot escaped and was recovered safely.