The attack on Prince Sultan Air Base brings the total number of tankers damaged during Operation Epic Fury to six, with a seventh destroyed in the mid-air incident that claimed the lives of six crew members.

Six U.S. service members have been killed when their refueling aircraft "went down" in friendly airspace in western Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command.

All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 aerial tanker that crashed in Iraq on March 12 have been confirmed dead.

Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, of Bardstown, was one of six airmen killed in the crash. The KC-135's crew was supporting Operation Epic Fury when the crash occurred.

An Iranian missile strike has reportedly damaged several U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft stationed in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. A March 13, 2026, report by The Wall Street Journal,

The KC-135 tanker was involved in an apparent accident with another KC-135. The other aircraft landed safely, officials said.

A senior United States Air Force official has warned that Boeing must resolve persistent technical problems with its KC-46 aerial refueling tanker before the military will consider placing additional

The KC-135 was reportedly lost after an incident involving another aircraft in friendly airspace over western Iraq; the second aircraft landed safely. A KC-135 was lost during Operation Epic Fury, U.S.

The event represents a precursor step toward validating capabilities essential for the B-21's long-range, penetrating strike role.