---
title: "Operation Epic Fury U.S. Aircraft Losses Visualized"
date: "2026-04-10"
modified: "2026-04-10"
authors:
  - name: "Ian Ellis-Jones"
    job_title: "Head of Audience Development"
    link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/ian-ellis-jones"
url: "https://www.twz.com/air/operation-epic-fury-u-s-aircraft-losses-visualized"
categories:
  - "Air"
  - "Around The Globe"
  - "Iran"
  - "Middle East"
  - "News & Features"
---

# Operation Epic Fury U.S. Aircraft Losses Visualized

![A graphic showing aircraft losses during EPIC FURY.](<https://www.twz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/U.S.-Aircraft-losses-During-Opeartion-Epic-Fury-by-TWZ-10-April-2026-copy.jpg>)
*Ian Ellis-Jones/TWZ*

As the dust settles following more than five weeks of sustained U.S. combat operations against Iran, we now have the clearest picture yet of the toll taken on American aircraft during Epic Fury. After flying more than 13,000 sorties, the United States lost 39 aircraft throughout the 39-day operation, with another 10 damaged to various degrees, according to *TWZ's* internal tracking. The actual number is likely higher, as we only confirm losses via open sources.

America’s drone fleet absorbed the heaviest losses, accounting for more than 60% of total combat attrition. Up to [24 USAF MQ-9 Reaper drones](<https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-war-trump-lebanon-israel-strait-of-hormuz-ceasefire-dispute/#post-update-8513916f>) were destroyed, according to the latest reporting from Jim LaPorta and *CBS*. Five fighters were downed while in the air, four F-15E Strike Eagles and one A-10 Warthog. An F-35A was hit over Iranian airspace, marking the first known combat damage to a 5th-generation fighter, but the pilot made an emergency landing safely. 20% of attrition was due to friendly fire, [including three F-15Es shot down over Kuwait](<https://www.twz.com/air/f-15-spins-into-the-ground-while-on-fire-in-middle-east>), or the [deliberate destruction of assets to prevent capture during](<https://www.twz.com/air/night-stalker-little-bird-helicopters-destroyed-at-forward-landing-site-in-iran>) a combat search and rescue mission in Iranian territory. Some losses, however, will be felt more than others, such as the [prized E-3G Sentry that was totally destroyed](<https://www.twz.com/air/images-purportedly-show-e-3-sentry-totally-destroyed-from-iranian-strike>).

For the latest on Operation Epic Fury, read our rolling coverage [here](<https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-ceasefire-hangs-in-balance-as-israel-bombards-lebanon>) and check *TWZ* daily for live updates.

## Author
Ian is the Head of Audience Development at *TWZ*. He executes our full-spectrum social media strategy, is the master of ceremonies for the incredible comments section, and brings his interpretive graphics skills to our editorial team as an OSINT analyst and researcher. Ian [joined](<https://www.twz.com/uncategorized/ian-ellis-jones-has-touched-down-at-twz>) *TWZ* in early 2026 and maintains our weekly [carrier tracker](<https://www.twz.com/category/carrier-tracker>) and [newsletter](<https://twz.beehiiv.com/>).

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/ianellisjones>)  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/www.iejmedia.com>)