Congress Reveals US Lost 39 Aircraft in Conflict with Iran, Operation Costs Reach Rp507 Trillion
US Congressman Ed Case, a Democrat, revealed during a hearing with the Pentagon (5/12/2026) that the US has lost 39 aircraft since the conflict with Iran erupted on February 28, 2026. The data references a report from the defense media outlet The War Zone, which states the US Air Force conducted nearly 13,000 flights during the conflict, with 39 aircraft destroyed and 10 others damaged.
Pentagon Comptroller Jay Hurst stated that the US government has spent nearly 29 billion US dollars (approximately Rp507 trillion) on these military operations. The costs increased from earlier estimates due to equipment repairs and replacements, as well as troop maintenance operations. Hurst emphasized that his department is still conducting a full diagnosis before definitively estimating the cost of the aircraft losses.
This conflict began with US and Israeli airstrikes on targets in Iran on February 28, 2026, which was followed by Iranian retaliation that nearly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington stated the operation aimed to maintain regional security and weaken Iran's military and economic capabilities. Congress continues to demand transparency over the use of defense spending amidst the fiscal challenges faced by the US government.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/05/