US Aerial Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq

The crash was not due to hostile fire and rescue efforts are underway to locate and recover the crew of the downed KC-135 Stratotanker, CENTCOM said.

A KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, on Dec. 19, 2025. U.S. Air Force Photo

A U.S. aerial refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced March 12.

CENTCOM, which is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, said the crash of the KC-135 Stratotanker occurred in friendly airspace, and involved two aircraft.