Video Shows Battle-Scarred KC-135R Landing In UK After Iran Strike Damage

Last Updated:April 13, 2026, 07:42 IST

Although reports suggest five tankers were hit in the attack, the overall extent of the damage at the base remains unclear.

A KC-135R Stratotanker with visible patchwork repairs over shrapnel damage was recently seen transiting through RAF Mildenhall. The images, show the aircraft marked with repair patches from nose to tail.

The tanker is believed to be among those damaged during the Iranian long-range strike on Prince Sultan Air Base last month. It is part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Although reports suggest five tankers were hit in the attack, the overall extent of the damage at the base remains unclear. Limited availability of satellite imagery from US providers has made it difficult to assess the situation, and such imagery would not capture smaller damage like shrapnel punctures.

Despite the damage, the aircraft’s return to flight highlights the importance of field-level battle damage repairs. Such efforts also serve as a practical exercise, offering valuable lessons that could be crucial in future conflicts.

The repaired Stratotanker is expected to eventually return to the United States for more extensive maintenance, and similar patched aircraft may appear in the coming weeks as others undergo repairs.

US Lost At Least 39 Aircraft

After the conclusion of sustained US combat operations against Iran, the United States have reportedly lost at least 39 aircraft during the operation, while another 10 were damaged to varying degrees.

The figures come after US forces flew more than 13,000 sorties over the course of the campaign.

The majority of the losses were from the US drone fleet, which accounted for over 60% of the total attrition. According to the latest reporting from Jim LaPorta and CBS, up to 24 MQ-9A Reaper drones operated by the US Air Force were reportedly destroyed.

In addition, five fighter aircraft were shot down while in the air — four F-15E Strike Eagles and one A-10 Warthog.

An F-35A Lightning II sustained damage while operating over Iranian airspace, in what is considered the first reported case of a fifth-generation fighter being hit in combat. Despite the incident, the pilot was able to execute a safe emergency landing.

Among the reported losses, the destruction of an E-3G Sentry was seen as especially significant.

News world Video Shows Battle-Scarred KC-135R Landing In UK After Iran Strike Damage

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