US Air Force losses in Operation Epic Fury Since the start of hostilities on February 28, 2026, 81 US aircraft have been destroyed or damaged. Losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, 1 F-35A, and 2 A-10s. Support aircraft hit: 7 KC-135 tanks, 1 E-3 Sentry AWACS and 2 MC-130J special aircraft. Helicopter losses include 4 AH-6 Small Birds, 1 AH-64 Apache, 1 HH-60W and 1 MH 60 Sea Hawk. Dr. destruction is significant: at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers, 3 MQ-1s and 1 MQ-4C Triton. Replacement costs are estimated at $1.9-3.3 billion. The Pentagon faces critical platform shortages, a slow defense industry recovery and the vulnerability of forward air bases to missile attacks. @Slavyangrad.