13.03.2026 05:40
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran enters its 14th day, a US KC-135 refueling aircraft has crashed in neighboring Iraq. The US Central Command stated, "This accident was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire," while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the US refueling aircraft was shot down and its crew was killed.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a KC-135 refueling aircraft has crashed in Iraq. The statement indicated that the accident occurred during Operation Epic Fury in friendly airspace, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
"IT DID NOT CRASH DUE TO ENEMY OR FRIENDLY FIRE"
It was stated that two aircraft were involved in the accident, with one crashing in western Iraq and the other landing safely. "This accident was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire. Detailed information will be provided to the public as more details emerge," it was said.
IRAN'S "WE STRUCK" STATEMENT
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps also announced that a U.S. refueling aircraft was shot down in western Iraq and that the crew was killed.
According to a report from the Tasnim News Agency, it was stated that "the U.S. aircraft was shot down by missiles from Iran-backed groups in western Iraq, and the crew lost their lives."
U.S.-ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the U.S. launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between the Tehran and Washington administrations.
Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, where U.S. bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the U.S.-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking officials, was killed.
According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the U.S.-Israel attacks has exceeded 1,348, with the number of injured surpassing 17,000.
KC-135 AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military tanker aircraft produced by Boeing, primarily designed for in-flight refueling. It allows fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft to refuel in the air, extending their mission range and time aloft.
Below are the main technical and operational specifications of the KC-135 aircraft:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Boeing
First flight: August 31, 1956
Entered service: 1957
Total production: 803 units
Users: Air forces of countries including the U.S., Turkey, France, and Israel
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length: approximately 41.5 m
Wingspan: approximately 39.9 m
Height: approximately 12.7 m
Maximum takeoff weight: approximately 146 tons
Engine: 4 turbofan jet engines
Maximum speed: approximately 530 mph (around 850-930 km/h)
Service ceiling: approximately 50,000 ft (15 km)
FUEL AND CARGO CAPACITY
Maximum fuel capacity: approximately 90,000 kg (200,000 lb)
Cargo capacity: approximately 37,000 kg
Passenger/cargo transport capability: available (can be used for multiple purposes)
CREW
Typically:
Pilot
Co-pilot
Boom operator (refueling operator)
Older models also include a navigator.
FEATURES
Uses a telescopic fuel transfer system called "flying boom" for in-flight refueling.
Can refuel different types of fighter aircraft simultaneously.
Can also be used as a cargo, personnel, or medical evacuation aircraft if necessary.