Overview
- Operation Epic Fury, which began with U.S. strikes on February 28, moved through a costly long‑range missile phase before shifting to cheaper short‑range munitions as air defences were degraded.
- The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates direct U.S. military costs at $34 billion to $42 billion while the Pentagon initially reported $25 billion to $29 billion because that figure excluded base damage.
- Munitions drove the bill: roughly $26.1 billion for more than 13,600 strike weapons fired and large interceptor use, and 42 aircraft were lost or damaged with equipment losses of about $1.8 billion to $3.5 billion.
- The White House has invoked the Defense Production Act and the Pentagon has requested an $80 billion supplemental that bundles replenishment and modernization, leaving Congress to decide near‑term funding before fiscal 2027 funds are available in October.
- Beyond direct costs, Moody’s puts broader economic losses near $132 billion, veterans’ benefits and base repairs will add long‑term bills, and defense leaders say rebuilding Tomahawk and interceptor stockpiles will take years and long‑term contracts to expand production capacity.