US Lawmaker Claims 39 American Aircraft Lost During 40-Day Conflict With Iran, Pentagon Asked to Review Costs

A US lawmaker has claimed that the American military lost around 39 aircraft during a 40-day war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to remarks made during a congressional hearing.

Ed Case said during testimony that figures referenced from a defense publication suggested significant US aircraft losses during the conflict, which reportedly included thousands of sorties. He raised concerns about whether the Pentagon had fully assessed the long-term financial cost of repairing or replacing the equipment.

A Pentagon financial official, Jay Hurst, declined to confirm the figures during the hearing, stating that a full assessment would be required before providing an official estimate of losses and costs.

The claims referenced in the hearing were attributed to reporting by defense analysis outlets, and included allegations of destroyed and damaged aircraft during the fighting. However, the Pentagon has not independently confirmed the reported numbers.

The broader discussion comes amid ongoing tensions following the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which saw extensive military activity, missile exchanges, and drone operations across the region. Both sides have presented conflicting accounts of battlefield losses and damage.

Officials are expected to continue reviewing the financial and strategic impact of the operation as part of ongoing congressional oversight and defense budget assessments.

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