The KC-135R, a Cold War-era workhorse, has been a crucial asset for mid-air refueling of fighter jets. Despite being 66 years old, the aircraft remains airworthy following interim repairs that were executed in the field. “The patches are apparently interim repairs covering shrapnel damage,” a source noted, indicating the urgency of returning the aircraft to operational status.

Before arriving in the UK, the KC-135R had to make an emergency landing in Crete, underscoring the severity of the damage it sustained. The US Air Force has reported that two KC-135 tankers have been lost during Operation Epic Fury, with another six damaged due to ongoing hostilities with Iran. The full extent of damage to the KC-135 fleet from these Iranian strikes remains unclear, and it is uncertain if the aircraft is economically repairable or if it will be sent to the boneyard.

The US operates a fleet of around 370 KC-135 tankers, all upgraded to the KC-135R variant. In response to the losses incurred in the war on Iran, the Air Force is reactivating retired KC-135Rs from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG). This move reflects the increasing demand for air refueling capabilities as military operations intensify.

As the conflict continues, the reliability of the newer KC-46 Pegasus tankers has been called into question due to persistent technical issues, particularly with their refueling boom. This situation places even greater importance on the older KC-135 fleet, which has proven to be indispensable for the US military’s operational needs.

Executing a battle damage repair plan in the field to get a KC-135 back in the air is a good real-life exercise, demonstrating the skills of the maintenance crews involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by military personnel in maintaining operational readiness under adverse conditions.

As the situation develops, the US Air Force continues to monitor the status of its fleet and assess the impact of ongoing operations on its aircraft. The KC-135R’s ability to remain functional despite its age and the damage it sustained is a testament to the engineering and maintenance efforts of the Air Force.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of this incident for the KC-135 fleet and the broader military strategy in the region. The ongoing conflict with Iran and its impact on US military operations will likely remain a focal point for defense analysts and military planners alike.

Сообщение Boeing kc-135 stratotanker: What Happened to the in England? появились сначала на YourTownNews.

One U.S. crew member has been rescued after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran on April 3, 2026, at approximately 6:45 a.m. ET. This incident marks the first time a U.S. crewed aircraft has been downed inside hostile territory during Operation Epic Fury.

The F-15E, believed to belong to the 494th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, was reportedly downed in the Persian Gulf region, where another U.S. military aircraft also went down. Iranian officials have urged civilians to search for survivors and have shared images of the wreckage on social media.

As of now, the condition and location of the second crew member remain unknown. The F-15E is a multirole combat aircraft capable of striking ground targets and operating in all weather conditions, having entered operational service with the U.S. Air Force in late 1988.

This advanced variant of the original F-15 can carry more than 20 tons of fuel and weapons, significantly more than the 13 tons carried by earlier models. Equipped with powerful engines, the F-15E can maintain a top speed of Mach 2.5 and has seen combat in every major U.S. conflict zone since its introduction.

In response to the incident, former President Donald Trump commented, “Well, I can’t comment on it because — we hope that’s not going to happen,” indicating the gravity of the situation. He also stated, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war,” reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding U.S.-Iran relations.

Additionally, a governor from Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province remarked, “Whoever captured or killed the crew would be specially commended,” suggesting the potential for further escalation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact location and condition of the second crew member, as well as conflicting reports about the origin of helicopters deployed for the search.

This incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the risks faced by military personnel operating in hostile territories.

Сообщение F15: What Happened to the F-15 in Iran? появились сначала на YourTownNews.

“This was made for the fans, and I think there’s a lot of surprises in there that haven’t been done in Marvel yet,” said Lewis Pullman, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the A-10 Thunderbolt II’s operational capabilities. As of March 15, 2026, the A-10s are actively flying attack missions against insurgent groups aligned with the Iranian government in Iraq.

U.S. Central Command has released images showcasing the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, which are equipped with advanced technology including a LITENING targeting pod and AGM-65 Maverick missiles. These aircraft are also armed with AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles and LAU-131 rocket pods featuring APKWS II rockets, enhancing their effectiveness in combat scenarios.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is known for its ability to loiter for extended periods during missions, allowing for sustained air support. It employs the GAU-8/A Avenger 30 mm rotary cannon, which is a key feature of its combat profile. However, this profile also makes the A-10 vulnerable to mobile air defense systems.

Currently, A-10s are operating from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where they are being utilized against Iran-aligned militias. Despite their significant role, A-10s are not currently flying missions over Iran itself, and details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential operations in that region.

The A-10’s combat capabilities, including its ability to refuel at altitudes between 15,000 and 22,000 feet at Mach 0.48, continue to demonstrate its value in modern warfare. While the aircraft’s days may be numbered, its effectiveness in combat scenarios remains significant.

As the situation evolves, the U.S. Central Command is expected to provide further updates on the A-10’s operational status and any developments in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, with its storied history, continues to play a crucial role in the U.S. military’s efforts in the region.

Сообщение Thunderbolts: A-10 Thunderbolt II Operations in Iraq появились сначала на YourTownNews.