InternationalTuesday, 15 September 2026·The Hindu - National
U.S. war in Iran creates ammunition shortfall, $33.4 billion cost and major fleet losses
A September 2026 Pentagon inspector general report said Operation Epic Fury cost $33.4 billion and caused munitions shortfalls and aircraft losses.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defence inspector general told Congress that Operation Epic Fury, conducted between February 28 and June 30, 2026, cost an estimated $33.4 billion and created ammunition shortfalls.
Key specifics
- Operation Epic Fury ran from February 28 to June 30, 2026.
- The estimated total cost was $33.4 billion.
- $22.3 billion was spent on expended munitions alone.
- The report lists four F-15s destroyed, one F-35 damaged, seven KC-135 tankers damaged and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones destroyed.
- The report says munitions expenditure revealed industrial base bottlenecks for resupply.
Exam lens
Question type: Defence and international security, Pentagon report, budget cost, aircraft losses, munitions shortfall, February 28-June 30, 2026. TNPSC may ask the operation name, total cost and damaged platforms.