$779 million was "burned" on the first day, the US attack on Iran came at a heavy price

2026-03-03 20:30:48Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
$779 million was "burned" on the first day, the US attack on Iran came
US attack on Iran comes with a heavy price

The US military spent about $779 million, or approximately 0.1% of the United States defense budget for 2026, during the first 24 hours of the offensive against Iran, according to estimates and data compiled by Anadolu Agency .

US Central Command confirmed that the massive deployment included B-2 stealth bombers, F-22, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, as well as EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft.

The operation also used MQ-9 Reaper drones, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and Patriot missile defense systems, and four B-2 bombers, which flew non-stop from Whiteman Air Force Base in the US state of Missouri, struck targets using 907 kilograms of ammunition.

$779 million was "burned" on the first day, the US attack on Iran came

Known for high maintenance requirements and a payload capacity of up to 18,143 kilograms, operations with the B-2 alone are estimated to have cost around $30.2 million, based on flight hours, maintenance costs, and ammunition expenditures.

US Central Command officials confirmed that airstrikes launched against Iran on Saturday included the first combat use of a new autonomous suicide drone.

The low-cost unmanned combat drone called "Lukas" was used as part of Operation "Epic Fury," which targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities.


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