IDF discloses 12–20 UAVs shot down over Iran — no fighter jets lost, IAF using cheap drones for risky missions

Israeli military officials disclosed on Day 21 that the IAF has lost more than 12 but fewer than 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) shot down over Iran since the start of the war. An exact number was not provided. The military revealed its operational philosophy: the IAF has been deliberately sending cheaper, expendable UAVs for higher-risk strike missions inside Iran, accepting the likely loss of these drones to protect manned aircraft and pilots. 'Loss of unmanned aircraft is acceptable for the purpose of thwarting ballistic missile attacks on Israel's home front,' the military said. No Israeli fighter jets have been shot down during the campaign, though pilots have come under anti-aircraft missile fire numerous times. In one case, a fighter pilot was described as 'close to being hit.' Remarkably, in at least one case, a cheaper drone sent on a risky mission 'actually made it back to Israel,' officials said. The disclosure reveals the IAF's layered approach to the Iran campaign: manned strike packages for high-value targets, cheaper UAVs to suppress or probe Iranian air defenses, and the explicit acceptance of a degree of attrition in unmanned systems to preserve pilot and aircraft losses at zero.