KC-135 US Air Force crashes in Iraq: rescue operations ongoing, at least five people on board

A KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft of the US Air Force went down on Thursday in western Iraq during US military operations against Iran. This was confirmed by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which specified that the incident occurred in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

According to the military statement, two aircraft were involved in the episode: one was lost in western Iraq, while the second landed safely. Subsequently, a US official told CNN that the second aircraft was also a KC-135.

CENTCOM also announced that, at the time of the release, rescue operations were still ongoing. The statement did not specify whether there were any injuries or casualties among the American military personnel involved.

According to a US official speaking to CNN, at least five crew members were on board the crashed aircraft. Under normal conditions, a KC-135 crew consists of three or four military personnel: pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator, who is responsible for the in-flight refueling boom. On some missions, navigators may also be present, depending on the operational profile.

The Air Force has not clarified what the specific mission of the two tankers was at the time of the incident. However, KC-135s are regularly used for in-flight refueling, a central function in long-range air operations, and can also be configured for cargo transport or medical patient transport.

The incident occurred during the so-called Operation Epic Fury, the name the Pentagon uses for the ongoing US military campaign against Iran. Numerous KC-135s are currently deployed in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, used to support the sorties of other aircraft.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is one of the oldest platforms still in service in the US Air Force inventory. The last unit was delivered in 1965. Derived from the civilian jet Boeing 707, the four-engine aircraft has received significant upgrades over time, including engine replacements. According to a US Congressional report, 376 units were in active service last year.

The loss of the tanker represents the fourth known incident of a US crewed aircraft loss since the beginning of the war with Iran. Last week, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighters were shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire error; on that occasion, all six crew members managed to eject and save themselves.

CENTCOM explained that further details will be released “as the situation evolves” and asked for patience to gather additional information, so as to “provide clarity to the families of the involved military personnel.”