TAMPA, FLA. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed today the loss of a KC-135 Stratotanker over western Iraq during a mission supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the crash site, though the status of the crew members on board has not yet been released.
Financial Cost: Based on the most recent Air Force data for the KC-135R variant, the replacement or “flyaway” cost of a single aircraft is approximately $39.6 million.
Incident Details
According to a statement released by CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, the incident involved two aircraft operating in “friendly airspace.”
- The Crash: One KC-135 went down in a remote area of western Iraq.
- The Second Aircraft: A second aircraft involved in the mission was able to land safely at a nearby installation.
- Cause: Officials were quick to rule out combat action, stating emphatically that the loss was not the result of hostile fire or “friendly fire” from allied forces.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The primary focus remains the recovery of the crew. CENTCOM officials have asked for the public’s patience as they work to secure the site and gather more information.
“We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members,” a spokesperson for CENTCOM stated.
Strategic Context
The KC-135 is a cornerstone of U.S. aerial operations, providing essential mid-air refueling that allows fighter jets and reconnaissance planes to stay airborne for extended periods. Its loss comes at a high-tempo moment for Operation Epic Fury, which has seen increased aerial activity across the region in recent weeks.
Military analysts suggest that with hostile fire ruled out, investigators will likely turn their attention to potential mechanical failure or extreme weather conditions as the investigation develops.
