US Aircraft Crashes Amid Iran War And Prompts Rescue Efforts, CENTCOM Says

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq after an incident involving two aircraft while supporting Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on March 12.

Authorities have launched rescue efforts for the crew of the lost plane while the second aircraft safely touched down, according to CENTCOM. Officials said the incident took place in airspace friendly to the U.S. and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. (RELATED: CENTCOM Says Three USAF F-15Es Downed By Kuwait In Friendly Fire Incident)

Multiple U.S. officials confirmed the loss to CBS News. A KC-135 declared an emergency prior to landing in Tel Aviv, Israel, the evening of March 12, according to FlightTracking24 data reviewed by the outlet.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

The KC-135 is the primary aerial refueler for the U.S. Air Force, having served the role for more that 60 years, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. The plane features a crew of three — a pilot, a copilot and a boom operator. The boom operator controls the boom, which is used to refuel aircraft mid-air.

This is the fourth U.S. aircraft confirmed lost during Operation Epic Fury. Kuwaiti air defenses downed three F-15E Strike Eagles the night of March 1 in what officials said was an apparent friendly fire incident. All pilots ejected and were safely retrieved, according to CENTCOM. Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This is a developing story.