US Army boosts air presence in Europe with cargo and refuelling planes

The US Army has significantly increased its air force presence in Europe, deploying multiple cargo and refuelling aircraft.

Seven C-17 transport planes and three KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft have taken off from various US bases heading towards Europe, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Additionally, around 30 KC-135 and KC-46 refuelling aircraft have been sent to Europe, representing an unprecedented deployment of this class of aircraft by the US Armed Forces.

As of the morning of June 18, there is no indication that the US Army has entered into war with Iran.

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Air Force deployed seven Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport planes and a substantial number of aerial refuelling tankers, including approximately 30 KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, from various U.S. bases to strategic locations across Europe.

The mass deployment coincides with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which began on June 13, 2025, targeting Iranian assets in response to Tehran’s alleged progress toward a nuclear weapon. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Israel, prompting heightened U.S. vigilance.

By Khagan Isayev