The war in Iran has inflicted significant damage on US military assets, with losses and repairs estimated between $1.4 billion and $2.9 billion within the first three weeks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.The bulk of the damage has been attributed to Iranian ballistic missiles and drone strikes targeting US and allied infrastructure across the Middle East. The Pentagon is expected to account for these losses in a proposed $200 billion supplemental spending request sent to the White House.
Fighter aircraft losses
Among the most high-value losses are advanced fighter jets. Three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were mistakenly shot down by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 on March 1, though all six crew members ejected safely. Each jet is estimated to cost around $100 million.A F-35A Lightning II also made an emergency landing on March 19, with Iran claiming it had targeted the aircraft. Each F-35A is valued at approximately $82.5 million.
Tankers and personnel losses
The conflict has also affected aerial refuelling operations. A KC-135 Stratotanker crashed over Iraq after colliding mid-air with another tanker, killing six crew members.In addition, five KC-135 aircraft were damaged during an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. As the aircraft is no longer manufactured, replacements are likely to be the KC-46 Pegasus, each costing about $165 million.
Drone fleet hit
Unmanned aerial systems have suffered repeated losses. More than a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost since the conflict began.This includes at least eight shot down by Iranian missiles, three destroyed on the ground and one downed by a Persian Gulf nation. Each MQ-9 costs at least $16 million, while newer MQ-9B variants are priced at around $30 million.
Missile defence and radar damage
Key surveillance and missile defence systems have also been targeted. An AN/TPY-2 radar in Jordan, part of a THAAD battery, was struck, with an estimated cost of over $300 million.In Qatar, damage was reported to an AN/FPS-132 radar at Al-Udeid Air Base, a high-value system capable of tracking multiple threats simultaneously and costing around $1 billion.Additional attacks have reportedly impacted radar, communications and air-defence systems in countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Naval setback
Apart from combat-related damage, operational incidents have also added to the overall cost. A fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R Ford on March 12, affecting multiple sections of the vessel, including living quarters. The carrier is currently undergoing repairs in Greece.
Cost of escalation
The early financial toll reflects the scale of material losses in the conflict, even without a full-scale ground war. With high-value platforms, surveillance systems and drones affected, the overall cost is expected to rise further as operations continue.
