U.S. Armed Forces confirmed the deaths of four crew members aboard an Air Force refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq. The incident, according to officials, was “not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire,” but did involve a second U.S. Tanker aircraft.
Rescue efforts are ongoing for two other crew members who were aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported Friday morning in a statement posted on X.
The circumstances of Thursday’s crash remain under investigation, CENTCOM noted.
Military authorities will withhold the names of the deceased service members for 24 hours, until their immediate families are notified.
Western Iraq is a sparsely populated desert region. U.S. And Western forces in Iraq have been targeted by pro-Iranian militias since the start of the war with Iran, though these attacks are primarily carried out with drones in the north of the country.
The KC-135 functions as an aerial refueling station, allowing aircraft to replenish fuel in flight to extend their range and remain in a battle zone longer.
According to the Air Force, a typical flight crew consists of three or four personnel: a pilot, a co-pilot, and a boom operator, who refuels other aircraft in flight. Some missions also require navigators on the crew, according to an Air Force fact sheet.
The aircraft can also be configured to transport cargo and medical patients.
The Air Force did not specify what mission the aircraft involved in Thursday’s incident were undertaking.
There are currently 376 KC-135s in active service, according to a U.S. Congressional report. The four-engine aircraft are based on the Boeing 707 passenger plane and have undergone significant upgrades over the years, including new engines.
This tanker aircraft loss marks the fourth known aircraft loss in the war with Iran.
Last week, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident; all six crew members ejected safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
A KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force, was involved in the crash.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred in western Iraq, a sparsely populated desert region.
Was this incident the result of enemy action?
According to the U.S. Armed Forces, the incident “was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.”
As investigations continue, what challenges might the U.S. Military face in maintaining its operational capabilities in the region?
