Open-source data indicates over 160 US military tankers deployed to aid in attacks on Iran

ISTANBUL

More than 160 US military tankers are stationed in CENTCOM and EUCOM to support hundreds of military aircraft two weeks into “Operation Epic Fury," according to data compiled by Anadolu.

According to open-source tracking data, 17 KC-46A "Pegasus" and 62 KC-135 "Stratotanker" aircraft have been spotted near the operation zone, on CENTCOM-controlled airfields, and at Diego Garcia Air Base, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago that has served as a joint UK-US military base since the 1970s. More than 40 of these aircraft are based at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

Some 36 KC-135s and one KC-46A are stationed at bases in southern Europe and the Mediterranean, most likely to refuel incoming aircraft from the UK.

Since the UK approved the use of its bases by the US, a significant number of US bombers have started using RAF Fairford, UK, for bombing runs in Iran. Fifteen KC-46A and 33 KC-135 tankers have been deployed in the UK, Lajes Air Base, Portugal, and bases in northern Europe, supporting long-range bombers and refueling aircraft transiting from the US towards the Middle East.

As of Dec. 2025, the United States Air Force has the world's largest tanker fleet, with 396 KC-135 and 100 KC-46A tankers.

According to open-source tracking data, 75% of the fleet has flown in the previous four weeks, indicating a high operational tempo even before current operations began.​​​​​​​

A US Air Force KC-135 crashed in western Iraq during an operation on Thursday, killing four crew members, while another tanker involved in the incident landed safely, according to the US military.

Also, five US Air Force refueling planes were also struck and damaged on the ground at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia late Friday.