US appears to be deploying large number of aerial refueling tankers across the Atlantic

The US Air Force appears to be in the midst of an unprecedented mass deployment of aerial refueling tankers across the Atlantic Ocean from bases in the US, amid the ongoing Israel-Iran war.

The number of KC-135 and KC-46 tankers continued to rise, with at least 30 moved east in the late hours of Sunday, according to flight tracking data.

Such tankers are required to refuel aircraft participating in strikes far away from their home country, such as the Israeli jets hitting Iran.

26 now.

Note the swing due east at the edge of the Atlantic.

Wouldn't likely do that if you were going to Finland. https://t.co/OFvwhIdi92 pic.twitter.com/r1jCf9t7Lr

— Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 16, 2025

If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.

JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY