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U.S. aircraft losses in Operation Epic Fury include three F-15Es lost to friendly fire, damaged F-35A and up to 30 MQ-9s
A Defense Department inspector general report recorded substantial U.S. aircraft losses during Operation Epic Fury, including four destroyed F-15Es, a combat-damaged F-35A and as many as 30 MQ-9 drones. Three F-15Es were lost to friendly fire and one to enemy action, while tankers, helicopters and other aircraft were also damaged or destroyed across roughly 36,000 combat sorties. The report valued the losses at about $3.7 billion and highlighted the operational risks of dense air-defense environments, high sortie rates and imperfect identification among friendly forces.