Washington: (RightNow) The US air power has suffered significant losses in the conflict against Iran. According to a Congressional Research Service report, 81 US military aircraft were either destroyed or damaged.

The report states that the affected aircraft include fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Notably, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones were damaged.

The Congressional Research Service indicates that the damage to US aircraft was not solely due to Iranian attacks. In March, three aircraft were destroyed in a shooting incident in Kuwait, and an F-15E was destroyed over Iran in April.

In September, an Iranian attack on an airbase in Jordan affected 15 F-8 aircraft, which were later repaired. Other aircraft like the F-35A and A-10 Thunderbolt II were also impacted.

It is important to note that these figures challenge the perception of US air superiority, particularly highlighting the risks to US assets with the losses of MQ-9 drones.