The United States has sustained nearly $2 billion in military losses within the first four days of its ongoing conflict with Iran, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency. The losses include advanced radar systems, fighter jets, and satellite communications equipment, marking one of the costliest early phases of a modern military engagement in the Middle East. The most expensive single item damaged was the AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, valued at $1.1 billion. Iran confirmed a missile strike on the facility on Saturday, leaving the radar system damaged and inoperable. Qatar also verified the incident, raising regional security concerns.
Fighter Jets and Satellite Systems Among Equipment Lost
In addition to the radar strike, the US lost three F-15E Strike Eagles in a friendly fire incident at Kuwaiti air defenses on Sunday. Fortunately, all six aircrew survived, but the aircraft were destroyed, with replacement costs estimated at $282 million. During Iran’s opening retaliatory attacks, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, was targeted. The strike destroyed two satellite communications terminals and several large buildings. Open-source intelligence identified the terminals as AN/GSC-52Bs, with a total estimated cost of $20 million including deployment and installation.
Iran also claimed responsibility for hitting the AN/TPY-2 radar component of the THAAD Anti-Ballistic Missile system deployed at Al-Ruwais Industrial City in the UAE. Satellite imagery corroborates damage at the site, with the radar estimated at $500 million. Collectively, these damages amount to approximately $1.902 billion in lost US military assets across the region.
Widespread Strikes Across Middle East US Bases
Iran has reportedly targeted at least seven US military sites since the escalation began on Saturday. These include the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Buehring in Kuwait, Erbil Base in Iraq, Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, and Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Images from Kuwait revealed collapsed rooftops at Ali Al Salem Air Base following Iranian missile strikes. Camp Arifjan, one of the primary sites, was where six US service members were killed. Videos circulating from Camp Buehring show drones entering the perimeter before exploding.
In Iraq, satellite and ground reports confirmed repeated strikes on the Erbil International Airport, where US forces are stationed. Smoke and flames were visible throughout Saturday and Sunday, with several structures damaged or destroyed. Similarly, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, one of the Navy’s busiest ports in the Middle East, saw fires in a US Navy recreational facility, although local authorities contained the damage quickly.
US Diplomatic Missions Also Targeted
Alongside military bases, US diplomatic missions in the region have faced drone and missile strikes. The US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was struck by two drones, causing limited fire and minor damage, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry. Reports suggest that the CIA station within the embassy compound was also affected. The US Embassy in Kuwait City experienced drone and missile strikes, prompting the closure of the mission and evacuation of non-essential staff and families. Meanwhile, the US Consulate General in Dubai was hit by a suspected Iranian drone targeting a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished.
These coordinated attacks highlight the escalating risk to both military and diplomatic assets in the region. Analysts warn that continued strikes could further strain US operations and may have broader geopolitical and financial repercussions.
