A KC-135 Stratotanker conducts an in-flight refueling of an F-22 Raptor during an exercise over the Pacific Ocean on Jan. 16, 2026. (Mary Greenwood/U.S. Air National Guard)
A KC-135 Stratotanker refueler has gone down in Iraq in an incident involving another aircraft, U.S. Central Command announced Thursday.
The tanker went down in friendly airspace, and the incident was not a result of hostile or friendly fire, according to a command news release. Rescue efforts were underway.
The refueler was taking part in Operation Epic Fury, the war against Iran by the United States and Israel.
The tanker went down in western Iraq and the other aircraft, which the command did not identify, landed safely, according to the release.
The Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard fly the refueler, which is built by Boeing. It can carry 200,000 pounds of fuel and a crew of three — pilot, copilot and boom operator — according to an Air Force fact sheet.
The command said more information would be released as it became available.