Iran’s retaliatory strikes and related incidents have damaged or destroyed a range of US military platforms across West Asia, including systems critical to Washington’s regional power projection
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.