March 12, 2026 — Western Iraq U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign against Iran, involving two aircraft in friendly airspace. One KC-135 crashed while the other landed safely, with the incident not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, according to CENTCOM. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and no casualty figures were released to prioritize support for service member families.
The U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crash in Iraq marks the first such loss since 2013 and the fourth manned U.S. aircraft downed in the conflict since late February 2026, following three F-15Es lost to friendly Kuwaiti fire and unmanned losses like MQ-9 drones.
Official U.S. Military Statement
CENTCOM’s press release detailed the event occurring over western Iraq, emphasizing the non-combat nature:
“The loss of a U.S. KC-135 over Iraq is not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. Two aircraft were involved in friendly airspace; one crashed and one landed safely.”
(CENTCOM)
U.S. outlets reported at least five crew members aboard, per an anonymous official, with rescue operations underway. The Washington Post described it as an apparent accident between two KC-135s supporting anti-Iran operations.
Conflicting Iranian and Pro-Iran Claims
Iranian state media and Iran-backed “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” groups claimed responsibility, alleging a missile shootdown with 5-6 crew killed or missing. These assertions contradict CENTCOM and lack independent verification.
“Iranian military claims US refueling aircraft was shot down in western Iraq, crew killed.”
Al Jazeera reported similar claims from resistance groups.
Broader Context and Coverage
The incident unfolded amid escalating U.S. operations against Iran, with prior losses highlighting operational risks. AP News and PBS NewsHour confirmed the crash details, noting no immediate casualties. Breaking Defense and Air & Space Forces Magazine provided context on the tanker’s role.
Real-time discussion on X mixed official reports with unverified pro-Iran claims of a shootdown and six dead, alongside skepticism from OSINT accounts. The U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crash in Iraq continues to draw international attention as updates on the crew are awaited.
