What is KC-135 Stratotanker? US Military refuelling plane crashes in Iraq; Iran-backed group claims responsibility; What we know so far

A US military refueling plane taking part in the operation against Iran crashed in Iraq, and rescue efforts were underway, US Central Command said on Thursday (March 12, 2026). The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group ‌of ⁠Iran-backed ⁠armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft ‌in western Iraq, news agency Reuters reported.

The group said in a statement that it had shot ‌down the KC-135 aircraft "in defense ⁠of our country's sovereignty and airspace," as quoted by the news agency. There was no immediate confirmation about whether any casualties had occurred. A US official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the developing situation, said the KC-135 aircraft that crashed had at least five crew members aboard.

The crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said in a statement, which described the plane as “a loss.” US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said that two aircraft were involved and that one landed safely and the other went down in western Iraq.


“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 second landed safely, US Central Command said in a release. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

A second US official, who similarly spoke on condition of anonymity, said the other plane involved also was a KC-135 tanker. “More information will be made available as the situation develops,” Central Command said. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”

What is KC-135 Stratotanker?

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nation aircraft.

The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.

Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.

Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. One crewmember, known as the boom operator, is stationed in the rear of the plane and controls the boom during in-flight air refueling.

The KC-135 tanker involved in the latest crash is based on the same design as the Boeing 707 airliner and entered military service more than 60 years ago, AP reported. Like other long-serving aircraft, the planes have undergone various retrofits and upgrades over the years.

The KC-135 tankers typically have a crew of three. It's not immediately clear what role the extra crew members were serving aboard the flight.

According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force in 2025 had a total of 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.