WASHINGTON: An American KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while a second plane involved in the incident landed safely, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.
CENTCOM, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, though the exact circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
“One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” CENTCOM said, providing no immediate details about casualties or damage.
U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026
The KC-135, a long-serving aerial refuelling aircraft used by the US Air Force, has been in operation for more than six decades and plays a critical role in extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft during military operations.
Typically, the aircraft operates with a crew of three — a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft mid-air. However, some missions also require a navigator, and the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers, according to an official US Air Force factsheet.
The crash marks at least the fourth US military aircraft lost since the start of the war with Iran, which began on February 28.
Earlier in the conflict, three American F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces over Kuwait in what US officials described as a friendly-fire incident. Despite the loss of the aircraft, all six crew members successfully ejected and survived.
At the time, CENTCOM said the incident occurred during intense combat operations that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
Military officials have not yet released further details about the cause of the latest crash or whether any personnel were injured.
