The KC-135 made its debut on Aug. 31, 1956, and still remains vital even as the Air Force continues to modernize its air refueling fleet.
The Air Force pulled two KC-135 Stratotanker refueling planes from Bulgaria, ending a brief deployment that drew sharp criticism and warnings from Iran.
‘U.S. Air Force KC-135s have departed from Bulgaria’
SecAF Meink visited McConnell AFB to observe the ongoing fleet transition from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46A Pegasus. During the visit, Meink reviewed digital engineering sustainment initiatives at the National Institute for Aviation Research and met with Total Force Airmen.
After serving 14 years as an enlisted diagnostic imaging and medical sonography technician, 1st Lt. Ulysses Campos earned his commission and wings to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker.
The B-21 Raider program continues to accelerate the delivery of long-range strike capability, with aerial refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating the rapid maturation of the weapon system.
U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, 2026, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft—marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration.
Iran launched a coordinated missile and drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, wounding 12 American service members and destroying at least one key aircraft. The post Iranian Strike on Saudi Base Injures 12 U.S. Troops, Damages Key Aircraft. appeared first on The National Pulse .
PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: An Iranian strike injured 12 U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and destroyed a U.S. aircraft. WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. troops and Iranian forces. WHEN & WHERE: Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, amid the ongoing Iran war . IMPACT: The strike represents a significant breach of American air defenses in the region. IN FULL Iran launched a coordinated missile and drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, wounding 12 American service members, according to a U.S. official—including two with serious injuries. The assault ranks among the most significant breaches of U.S. air defenses since the current conflict with Iran began. The attack reportedly inflicted heavy…Open
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke about the families of six U.S. airmen who died after their Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq last week at a news conference at the Pentagon.
The airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.