US KC-135 Tanker Missing After Operation Grand Fury in Iraq; One Aircraft Crashed

U.S. Central Command said on the platform X on the 12th local time that a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft is missing after participating in a mission in western Iraq during an operation named “Operation Grand Fury.” Two aircraft were involved; one is confirmed to have crashed in western Iraq, while the other landed safely.

CENTCOM added that the incident occurred in friendly airspace and is not believed to be the result of enemy action or misidentification. Search and rescue efforts are underway.

The command said it would release additional information as the situation develops.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-serving U.S. Air Force aircraft used to refuel other planes in flight, enabling extended missions and greater range for air operations.

Western Iraq has hosted U.S. and allied forces in recent years as part of broader security operations in the region. The exact nature of Operation Grand Fury has not been disclosed in CENTCOM’s release.

For U.S. readers, the loss of a tanker aircraft can affect the tempo and reach of air operations in the Middle East, with potential implications for force readiness, mission planning, and regional security dynamics.

The incident remains under investigation, with officials promising further updates as information becomes available.