Over 160 US tanker aircraft deployed in campaign against Iran

2026-03-13 - 12:12

Data compiled from open-source tracking indicates that the United States has deployed over 160 aerial refueling aircraft to support ongoing military operations against Iran, with assets spread across Central Command and European Command areas of responsibility. The extensive tanker presence underscores the logistical scale of "Operation Epic Fury," now entering its second week since joint US-Israeli strikes began on Feb. 28. Strategic Deployment Footprint According to tracking information, 17 KC-46A "Pegasus" and 62 KC-135 "Stratotanker" aircraft have been observed near the operational zone, at CENTCOM-controlled airfields, and at Diego Garcia Air Base in the Chagos Archipelago. More than 40 of these tankers are stationed at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, reflecting the close coordination between US and Israeli forces. An additional 36 KC-135s and one KC-46A are positioned at bases in southern Europe and the Mediterranean, likely supporting aircraft transiting from the United Kingdom. Following UK authorization for US use of its bases, a significant number of American bombers have begun operating from RAF Fairford. Fifteen KC-46A and 33 KC-135 tankers have been deployed across the UK, Portugal's Lajes Air Base, and northern European facilities, creating a robust logistics chain extending from North America to the Middle East. High Operational Tempo The scale of the deployment represents a substantial portion of America's aerial refueling capacity. As of December 2025, the US Air Force maintained 396 KC-135 and 100 KC-46A tankers—the world's largest such fleet. Open-source data indicates that 75% of this total fleet has flown during the previous four weeks, indicating an exceptionally high operational tempo that predated the current campaign. The demanding operations may have contributed to a fatal accident Thursday, when a US Air Force KC-135 crashed in western Iraq during a mission, killing four crew members. A second tanker involved in the same incident landed safely, according to US military officials. The crash highlights the risks inherent in sustaining the intense air campaign, which requires continuous refueling support for strike aircraft operating deep inside Iranian territory.