A U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft has been lost over Iraq during ongoing military operations in the region, according to U.S. Central Command.
In a brief statement released on 12 March, CENTCOM said the aircraft was involved in an incident with another aircraft while operating in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. “U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft,” the command said. “The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing.”
Officials said two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft crashed in western Iraq while the other was able to land safely. “Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” the statement said.
“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.”
Rescue operations are currently underway and further information has not yet been released as authorities continue to gather details about the incident.
“More information will be made available as the situation develops,” CENTCOM said. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a key part of the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refuelling fleet, enabling combat aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods during operations across the Middle East and other theatres.
Wow…assume collision at night while doing AAR?
Very likely mate.
RB,
Ever noted a crew of six for a KC-135? Standard complement: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Boom Operator. Occasionally, a Navigator is included for selected missions. The remaining aircrew? Relief pilot(s)? Boom operator? Hopefully, there was a validated purpose. The aircraft accident investigation will be painful enough, w/out introducing extraneous issues. 🤔🤞
It looks like it was a second KC135 involved (the other one landed damaged in Israel)
US media report that 2 KC135s were involved . One crashed and the other had to orbit west of Ben Gurian airport for an houe – to burn off fuel perhaps?. On landing observers saw that part of its vertical stabilzer had been lost.
Well, that’s not good.
Hi folks hope you are all well..
Very tragic hopefully this whole operation ends soon and all personnel can return home safely. Although I’ve a suspicion there’s a long way to go yet. The more intense to get this war over the more activity, thus unregrettable incidents will happen with busy skies.
Cheers,
George
Commented this morning on BBC by their weapons expert this was very probably A-10 operations on recce from Jordan requiring long period on station dual tanker support which required one tanker to top up the other at night to maintain its ability to remain active. Was a bit surprised to hear A-10s were being used but I guess spotting for potential well concealed targets.