Iran attack on US bases caused extensive damage to key military equipment, including aircraft, drones, radar systems and infrastructure, with repair costs expected to run into billions, according to a report.
2 Min Read
1 / 8Iran has reportedly caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage to United States military bases across West Asia—far more than has been publicly disclosed—according to a report by NBC News. The report cites multiple officials and post-strike assessments linked to recent incidents involving Iran. Early estimates suggest repair costs could run into the billions. Here is a breakdown of what was reportedly damaged: (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8US E-3 AWACS surveillance aircraft: Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft—used for long-range radar surveillance and command operations—were among the most significant assets reportedly damaged. These aircraft are critical for monitoring airspace and coordinating missions. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
3 / 8MQ-9 Reaper drones: Approximately 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones were reportedly destroyed or damaged. These drones are widely used by the US military for surveillance and precision strikes, particularly in conflict zones across West Asia. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4 / 8MC-130 tanker aircraft: Two MC-130 aircraft, used for special operations and aerial refuelling, were also reportedly hit. These planes play a key role in supporting long-range missions and troop deployments. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
5 / 8US Navy MQ-4C Triton drone: At least one MQ-4C Triton drone, operated by the US Navy, was reportedly destroyed. This high-altitude drone is designed for maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
6 / 8Damage across multiple US bases: Iran reportedly struck around 100 targets across 11 US bases in seven countries in West Asia, including sites near the Strait of Hormuz and in key Gulf states. Some bases were reportedly hit multiple times. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 8Air defence systems breached: One of the most notable aspects of the strikes was the reported ability of Iranian systems to penetrate US air defences. In at least one instance, an F-5 fighter jet—a 1960s-era aircraft—was reportedly able to bypass defences and successfully strike targets.
8 / 8Infrastructure and repair costs: The total damage is estimated at around $5 billion, covering destroyed equipment, damaged runways, and base infrastructure. This figure is significantly higher than earlier public estimates. (Image: Reuters)