Florida-Based Central Command Reports KC-135 Tanker Crash in Iraq

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday during operations against Iran. Rescue efforts are underway, and the fate of at least five crew members remains unknown, U.S. Central Command announced.

Two KC-135 tankers were involved in the incident, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity. One aircraft landed safely; the other went down in western Iraq. The military described the crashed plane as "a loss" and said hostile fire or friendly fire did not cause the crash.

"More information will be made available as the situation develops," Central Command said in a statement. "We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members."

For Treasure Coast families with loved ones serving in the Middle East — including the thousands of Florida National Guard and Air Force Reserve members who operate or support KC-135 fleets — the crash is the latest reminder of the war's mounting toll. The Air Force last year operated 376 KC-135s total, including 62 in the Air Force Reserve, according to a Congressional Research Service report.

The downed tanker is the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft lost since the Iran campaign began Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran. Last week, three F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.

Seven American service members have been killed in the war and approximately 140 injured, including eight severely, the Pentagon said earlier this week. Six of the fallen were Army Reserve logistics soldiers killed when an Iranian drone struck a civilian port in Kuwait on March 1. A seventh died after an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned the conflict will likely claim additional American lives before it ends.

The KC-135, which entered service more than 60 years ago and is based on the Boeing 707 design, typically carries a crew of three. The role of the additional crew members aboard the crashed aircraft was not immediately clear, according to officials.

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