WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States has lost at least 16 aircraft in just three weeks of military operations linked to rising tensions with Iran, according to a new report by Bloomberg. The losses include both manned aircraft and unmanned drones. The developments have raised fresh concerns among defense experts about the cost and sustainability of a high-intensity air campaign. The report comes as Donald Trump faces renewed attention for his past claims about aircraft losses during the India-Pakistan conflict, where he repeatedly changed the number of jets allegedly shot down.
U.S. military and intelligence sources told Bloomberg that at least 16 aircraft have been lost since operations began on Feb. 28. These include 10 drones and several advanced fighter jets. One of the most notable incidents involved an F-35 stealth fighter. Officials said the aircraft was hit by suspected Iranian fire and forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. base in the region. The pilot survived and remains in stable condition. A spokesperson for US Central Command confirmed the safe landing but did not directly attribute the strike to Iranian forces.
The conflict has also taken a human toll. Thirteen U.S. service members have died since the start of operations. Six died in a mid-air incident involving a KC-135 refueling tanker. The aircraft was destroyed during the operation, killing everyone on board.
Seven additional personnel died in attacks carried out by Iranian forces. Around 200 U.S. troops have been wounded across several countries in the Middle East. Most have already returned to duty, according to military officials. The KC-135 incident stands out as the deadliest single event so far. Officials said the aircraft was lost during a complex mid-air operation.
Not all losses came from enemy fire. Three F-15 fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait. Such incidents highlight the risks of operating in crowded and high-pressure combat environments. In another major strike, Iranian ballistic missiles hit a U.S. base in Saudi Arabia. The attack damaged five KC-135 aircraft, though none were destroyed. These incidents show that both combat and operational risks contribute to the rising number of losses.
Drone losses have also been significant. Of the 10 drones lost, at least nine were MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. Iranian air defenses shot them down during flight. One drone was destroyed on the ground in a missile strike in Jordan. Two others were lost due to accidents. The MQ-9 Reaper plays a key role in modern warfare. It is often used in dangerous areas because it reduces the risk to pilots. However, the high number of losses shows that even unmanned systems face strong resistance.
Despite early efforts, the United States has not secured full control of the skies over Iran. Officials now say they have only achieved localized air superiority in certain areas. Iran continues to operate active air defense systems. These defenses make it harder for U.S. forces to control key routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. This limitation has forced U.S. forces to adjust their strategies and accept higher risks during missions.
Defense analysts say the pace of operations plays a major role in the losses. The number of sorties has reportedly exceeded the early stages of the Gulf War. Experts like Peter Layton and Justin Bronk point out that high-tempo operations increase the chances of accidents and errors. They say incidents like mid-air collisions and friendly fire become more likely under such pressure.
As the conflict enters its third week, Iran continues to launch retaliatory strikes across the region. These include attacks on energy infrastructure in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The United States has not slowed its operations despite the losses. However, the growing number of damaged and destroyed aircraft highlights the challenges of sustaining a prolonged air campaign. The situation remains tense. Analysts warn that continued losses could strain resources and impact long-term military strategy.
