Five US Air Force KC-135 Tankers Damaged In Iranian Missile Attack On Saudi Base

At least five US Air Force refuelling aircraft were reportedly damaged in an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The attack occurred in recent days and targeted aircraft stationed at the base.
US officials confirmed that the aircraft were struck while on the ground. Although the planes were damaged, they were not completely destroyed and are currently undergoing repairs.

The incident highlights rising tensions in the region amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.

KC-135 Stratotanker Aircraft Hit in the Strike

According to US officials cited in the report, the aircraft affected in the missile attack were KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling planes used by the US Air Force.

The KC-135 is a critical aircraft that enables fighter jets, bombers and surveillance planes to stay airborne longer by refuelling them in mid-air.

Officials said the tankers sustained damage from the missile strike while they were parked at the air base.

Despite the impact on military equipment, no casualties were reported, and no personnel were killed during the attack.

US Military Yet to Comment Officially

When asked about the incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to comment on the reported missile strike.

However, officials familiar with the situation said Iranian missiles struck the base and damaged aircraft stationed there.

Prince Sultan Air Base is an important military facility used by US forces and their allies in the Middle East.

Number of Damaged US Refuelling Planes Rises

With this incident, the number of US Air Force refuelling aircraft that have been damaged or destroyed in recent days has reportedly reached at least seven.
The latest strike adds to growing concerns about the vulnerability of military infrastructure during the ongoing regional conflict.

Separate Mid-Air Collision Kills Six Crew Members

The report comes shortly after another serious incident involving US refuelling aircraft.
On Thursday, two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft collided during operations. One of the planes crashed following the collision.

The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that all six crew members on board the crashed aircraft were killed in the accident.

Growing Regional Tensions

The damage to US aircraft in Saudi Arabia comes at a time of heightened military tension in the Middle East.

Recent confrontations between Iran, the United States and their regional allies have increased fears of a wider conflict, with attacks targeting military bases, shipping routes and strategic infrastructure.

Military analysts say the situation remains highly volatile, and further developments could have significant implications for regional security and global stability.