Multiple United States fighter jets were hit during an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Wednesday on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. It was estimated that 20 missiles in all were fired on the base.
Eight F-15 fighter jets reportedly sustained light damage from the Iranian attack. An A-10 Thunderbolt II experienced the most significant damage from the strikes, reportedly losing a wing as a result of the attack. The F-15 jets are highly regarded in the U.S. Air Force and are among the most feared fighter aircraft on the planet. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, more commonly known as the “Warthog,” is a jet aircraft used to support ground forces in combat.
The F-15s are an expensive unit to build, reportedly costing around $100 million per jet. Each A-10 Thunderbolt has a price tag of approximately $8-$10 million, according to reports.
CBS News reported that despite the damage, the F-15s were later returned to service. No U.S. casualties have been reported from the Iranian airstrike. It is believed that the Iranian strikes are the first to have reportedly caused significant damage to U.S. aircraft. The Iranian strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base came after the U.S. sank five Iranian tankers on Tuesday, in retaliation for Iran firing on a U.S. Navy warship. In addition to the missiles fired on MSAB, Iran claimed to have launched missiles at multiple tankers and warships, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
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In response to the Iranian attack on MSAB, U.S. military forces launched more than 30 Patriot missiles at Iranian targets in the area, according to CBS News.
The increase in airstrikes and military operations involving Iran and the United States, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, has caused oil prices to soar this week. Reports on Wednesday revealed that the benchmark Brent crude futures contract has surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time since July.