US KC-135 crashes in western Iraq amid Iran war tensions
US KC-135 crashes in western Iraq amid Iran war tensions
A US KC-135 refuelling jet went down in western Iraq. Officials say it was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, even as an Iran-backed group claims responsibility.
A United States Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, occurring amid mounting tensions as the Iran war unfolds. Officials said the incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire, even as an Iran-backed Iraqi group claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. The crash marks another loss for US forces in the conflict that has intensified over the past weeks.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, built by Boeing in the 1950s and 1960s, has long been a backbone of the United States military's air refuelling fleet. It enables aircraft to conduct missions without needing to land, extending the reach of fighters, bombers, and allied aircraft. Data available show the Air Force owned 376 KC-135s in 2025, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.
In historical terms, the KC-135 was valued at roughly $39.6 million in 1998, a figure that inflation would push well above $79 million today. Beyond refuelling, these aircraft can carry substantial cargo—up to about 83,000 pounds—and are capable of aeromedical evacuations, underscoring their versatility in both combat and humanitarian roles.
The crash occurred as U.S. military operations in the region continue under the broader framework of ongoing tensions in the West Asia theater. Reports indicate that the incident is being treated as a crash with no immediate attribution to hostile or friendly fire, while the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the downing.
Details are still emerging, and investigators are expected to provide a fuller assessment of what happened and any potential casualties. As the story develops, officials say updates will follow to inform both the public and allied partners about the implications for ongoing missions in the area.
