US Air Force KC‑135 Tanker Crashes Over Iraq; Second Aircraft Involved Lands Safely

A US Air Force KC‑135 Stratotanker was lost over western Iraq during an operational mission, U.S. defense officials confirmed on Friday. The incident involved two KC‑135 aircraft, with one tanker going down while the second aircraft was able to land safely at its base. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the loss.

According to initial military reports, the KC‑135 was conducting a routine operational sortie when it was involved in an in‑flight incident with another tanker assigned to the same mission. The aircraft subsequently went down in western Iraq. Officials have not released details on the number of crew members aboard or their status, pending notification of families.

The KC‑135 Stratotanker is one of the U.S. Air Force’s most enduring aircraft, providing aerial refueling support to combat, reconnaissance, and transport aircraft worldwide. First introduced in the late 1950s, the platform remains a critical asset for long‑range operations, particularly in the Middle East where sustained air presence is essential.

Despite its age, the KC‑135 fleet has maintained a strong safety record. Losses are rare, making this incident significant for both operational and fleet‑management considerations.

The loss comes at a time when US aerial refueling assets are heavily tasked across the region. KC‑135s support a wide range of missions, including air patrols, intelligence flights, and coalition operations.