According to a recent Lead Inspector General report, Iranian strikes have caused extensive damage to U.S. military assets in the Middle East, impacting hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft. As of June 29, the conflict has cost the U.S. approximately $33.4 billion, including $184 million in damage to diplomatic facilities across Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The report highlights that the expenditure of munitions has led to strategic inventory shortfalls and exposed bottlenecks in the industrial base for munitions resupply.
Notably, the report mentions that a fifth-generation F-35A fighter jet sustained battle damage for the first time, alongside the destruction of four F-15E jets, an A-10 aircraft, and damage to seven KC-135 refueling aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
This situation raises concerns about the U.S. military's operational capabilities and the potential need for increased defense spending to address these challenges