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US Air Force Records Losses of Two KC-135 Tankers Following Mid-Air Incident Over Iraq
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The US Air Force has faced the loss of two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. Reports of the incident first emerged on the night of March 12-13, initially indicating the loss of a single tanker over Iraq.
Official confirmation and subsequent visual evidence later revealed that two KC-135 aircraft were involved in the mid-air event, according to Defense Express.
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The first KC-135 Stratotanker crashed on Iraqi territory. According to available data, six crew members were on board at the time of the crash. Official reports currently state that four individuals have been confirmed dead, while two others remain missing.
The second aircraft, a KC-135R with tail number 38017, managed to return to an airfield in Israel. Images of the aircraft appearing online show that approximately one-third of its vertical stabilizer was torn away. This damage suggests the possibility that the Stratotanker made contact with the other aircraft during a refueling maneuver.
O quão perigoso é o reabastecimento aéreo? Esse vídeo dá uma pequena noção dos perigos dessa operação.
— Hoje no Mundo Militar (@hoje_no) March 13, 2026
Com relação à queda de um KC-135 ontem no Iraque que resultou na morte de 4 dos 6 tripulantes, as causas ainda estão sendo determinadas, mas é inegável que as tripulações estão… pic.twitter.com/Tn5I4WRCvq
Refueling one tanker from another is a known procedure. Certain versions of the aircraft, such as the KC-135RT, are equipped for aerial refueling from another tanker.
It is possible that the aircraft encountered turbulence or a pilot error occurred during the process, leading to the collision. However, these details remain speculative based on the visible damage to the surviving aircraft.
The exact cause of the crash has not been determined, and further details are expected following an official investigation. The incident effectively removes both aircraft from the current operation.
While the second tanker landed safely, the extent of the damage to its tail section requires long-term repairs before it can return to service.
Russia explored the possibility of modifying its Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile for ground-based platforms.
Analysts from Defense Express noted that the development of this version, unofficially dubbed the "Kh-101P," was likely an attempt by the aggressor to bypass difficulties in maintaining its aging Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers.
Theoretically, such a system would have allowed for launches without typical intelligence indicators, such as bomber takeoffs or increased radio activity, though experts cautioned that adapting the missile for ground launch involved significant technical challenges.
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