Cost of Iran war explodes as toll on US air fleet nearly doubles

What happened: A Congressional Research Service analysis found the U.S. military lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft in the war with Iran, nearly double the 42 it identified in May. Key numbers: 81 aircraft lost or damaged, up from 42 in May. Why it matters: CRS warned losses among aging, high-demand aircraft could create capability gaps or raise risk in other theaters, and that production constraints could slow rebuilding. It said the tally could prompt Congress to examine whether the industrial base can replace aircraft fast enough.

A Congressional Research Service analysis found the U.S. military lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft in the war with Iran, nearly double the 42 it identified in May.

CRS warned losses among aging, high-demand aircraft could create capability gaps or raise risk in other theaters, and that production constraints could slow rebuilding. It said the tally could prompt Congress to examine whether the industrial base can replace aircraft fast enough.