Sources:
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/03/the-f-47-fighter-cost-problem-no-one-wants-to-touch/
https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/iran-shahed-drones-gulf-patriot-air-defence-cost-crisis/ (assuming 2 missiles to each drone and the lowest estimate of drone costs)
My guess is the US didn’t take out Iranian air defenses because they can’t; maybe it’s memory or imagination, but I thought they’re underground until they’re in use, or they only turn on when there’s been a visual, or there are a ton of cheaper decoys, or a combination of the three.
Damn, that’s pretty embarassing for the Russians, though.
Underground air defense systems aren’t a thing. The US is perfectly capable of identifying likely Iranian air defence sites. In theory.
They just suck at this. There’s no excuse for it. Iran isn’t pulling some crazy James Bond villain shit. The US Military is just run by total fucking clowns, because they hired an alcoholic TV personality to run the show and he chased out everyone with an ounce of competence.