From cyber to Middle East, US and allies take stark lessons from 2026
XLI•US commanders said sustained operations have eroded cyber advantages, while missile stocks and aircraft have also been depleted. The article estimates the cost of Operation Epic Fury at just under $40 billion and says rebuilding some stocks could take years.
1. Cyber capabilities strained
US commanders warned that sustained operations have rapidly eroded the military’s ability to conduct offensive cyberattacks through previously identified vulnerabilities. Vice Admiral Heidi Berg said the “magazine” of these capabilities empties quickly, while Lieutenant General Christopher Eubank said demand for direct cyber support had been constant since the conflict with Iran began on February 28.
2. Weapons and aircraft losses
The article says the Pentagon has used up large stocks of ATACMS, Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, with rebuilding expected to take multiple years. It estimates the US Air Force has lost as many as 40 MQ-9 Reaper drones—up to a quarter of its airworthy fleet—and reports other aircraft losses, including two destroyed KC-135 tankers and four F-15E Strike Eagles. The Congressional Budget Office put the cost of Operation Epic Fury so far at just under $40 billion.
3. Allies and deployments
The article describes concerns among allies about US capacity and support, including Saudi Arabia seeking wider foreign help and Russian attacks on Ukraine continuing amid a lack of US-made interceptors. The US announced that some forces would return to the Baltic states, including tank and engineering battle groups in Lithuania and a small armoured force in Estonia for the coming winter.
