Tanker Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq During Friendly Operation
A US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft was lost over western Iraq on March 12, 2026, in a non-combat incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace. According to US Central Command, one aircraft crashed, while the second landed safely, with rescue efforts underway. The incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, and the military had not yet confirmed casualties. The KC-135 remains a core part of US air operations, and the incident comes as US forces continue Operation Epic Fury. This incident was first reported by AeroTime.