US KC-135 Tanker Crashes in Western Iraq During Operation Epic Fury

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker supporting Operation Epic Fury went down in western Iraq on Thursday, US Central Command confirmed. The military described the aircraft as a total loss. Rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site in a remote desert region of western Iraq.

Central Command confirmed two aircraft were involved in the incident, both KC-135 tankers. One landed safely. The other went down. The crash was not caused by hostile fire or enemy action of any kind. Investigators were examining whether a midair collision between the two aircraft caused the loss, though details remained unclear as the search and rescue operation continued.

The number of crew members aboard was reported inconsistently in early statements, with figures ranging from three to five. The KC-135 typically carries a crew of three, and the role of any additional personnel on the flight had not been clarified at the time of reporting. Central Command asked for patience while officials worked to notify families.

The Aircraft

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in continuous US military service for over 60 years, built on the same design as the Boeing 707 airliner. The Air Force currently operates 376 KC-135s across active duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve components. The aircraft refuels fighters, surveillance platforms, bombers, and cargo aircraft and has been one of the most heavily utilized airframes in the US inventory throughout Operation Epic Fury, supporting the sustained bomber and fighter campaign over Iran.

The last KC-135 crash before this incident occurred in 2013, when a tanker supporting refueling missions over Afghanistan went down shortly after departure from Manas airport in Kyrgyzstan, killing three airmen.

Fourth Aircraft Lost in the Campaign

The KC-135 is the fourth American aircraft lost since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, though none of the four losses were caused by Iranian fire. Three F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down by Kuwaiti F/A-18s in a friendly fire incident in early March. All six crew members from those aircraft ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.