Fighter jets, tanker planes, radars: How $5-bn US military assets went up in smoke
- Jayanta Kalita
- TIMESOFINDIA.COMUpdated: Mar 17, 2026, 22:20 IST IST
Since the joint US–Israeli offensive began on February 28, 2026, the Pentagon has faced an uncomfortable reality: despite overwhelming military superiority, several of its most advanced and costly platforms have been damaged or destroyed. Some losses have been linked to Iran’s retaliatory “swarm-and-strike” tactics, while others have been attributed to “combat-related incidents”.
A key part of Iran’s approach has been the use of inexpensive drones such as the Shahed-136. These loitering munitions, estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000 each, are relatively simple but effective when deployed in large numbers. Intercepting them, however, often requires far more sophisticated weapons that cost a lot more.
A key part of Iran’s approach has been the use of inexpensive drones such as the Shahed-136. These loitering munitions, estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000 each, are relatively simple but effective when deployed in large numbers. Intercepting them, however, often requires far more sophisticated weapons that cost a lot more.
