The Pentagon’s estimated cost of replacing US military equipment lost or damaged in the Iran war has climbed nearly 42% in just over six weeks, accounting for roughly half the increase in the conflict’s latest reported military price tag.
An assessment from US Central Command, obtained by The Hill, placed equipment replacement costs at $6.1 billion while September 3 assessment reviewed by Bloomberg Government valued the same category at approximately $4.3 billion.
The $1.8 billion increase represents roughly 51% of the $3.5 billion rise in the Pentagon’s overall estimate, which reached $47.1 billion.
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Equipment replacement was the fastest-growing major cost category. Estimated munitions replacement costs rose approximately 3%, from $28.1 billion to $29 billion, while incremental operating expenses increased 6%, from $11.2 billion to $11.9 billion.
Despite representing only about 13% of the total war estimate, equipment replacement accounted for the largest share of its latest increase.
The higher estimate follows months of reported aircraft losses and damage across US military operations in the Middle East.
An October 5 Congressional Research Service report identified 81 US aircraft and drones reportedly lost or damaged since operations began on February 28.
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The tally included 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, and seven KC-135 refueling aircraft.
However, the figure does not represent 81 destroyed aircraft. Some sustained repairable damage and subsequently returned to service.
The Pentagon’s accounting separates operational spending from the estimated expense of rebuilding military inventories.
In September, CQ Roll Call reported that $32.4 billion of the earlier $43.6 billion estimate consisted of unfunded replacement requirements, compared with $11.2 billion already obligated for operations.
The latest estimate places combined munitions and equipment replacement requirements at approximately $35.1 billion.
It still excludes repairs to American military bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Separately, the Pentagon’s inspector general reported in September that extensive munitions use had created strategic inventory shortages and exposed production bottlenecks.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that continuing military operations could add $2 billion to $3 billion monthly, depending on combat intensity.
The administration has requested $67.1 billion in supplemental Defense Department funding related to the conflict. CBS News reported that the request remained unapproved as of press time.
