US launches massive fleet of aerial refuelling tankers to Europe amid Iran-Israel tensions

The US Air Force has launched an unprecedented large-scale deployment of KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refuelling tankers across the Atlantic from continental bases, sparking speculation that these aircraft may be intended to support ongoing military operations in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

The number of deployed tankers continues to grow, exceeding 30 aircraft by the end of June 15. Tankers from several Western countries are assisting Israeli Air Force efforts by refuelling aircraft conducting strikes on Iranian targets, suggesting that the newly deployed US tankers might also be tasked with similar refuelling missions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Military Watch Magazine.

Another critical possibility is that these tankers are prepared to refuel US Air Force and Navy fighter jets and bombers, should Washington decide to take a more active role in the conflict. The US is already involved militarily by deploying THAAD missile defence systems and AEGIS-equipped destroyers to support efforts against Iranian ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel.

While Israeli F-15 fighters have the range to reach Iranian territory without mid-air refuelling, the majority of the Israeli fleet consists of F-16s, which lack the flight range to strike most Iranian targets even with external fuel tanks and long-range cruise or ballistic missiles. Western fighter jets typically have significantly shorter operational ranges than their Chinese or Russian counterparts, making aerial refuelling essential for extended missions. For example, the F-35 has a combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres, compared to around 2,000 kilometres for China’s J-20 or Russia’s Su-34.

The potential vulnerability of US Navy carrier strike groups to Iranian missile attacks is expected to force them to operate at extended distances, increasing the importance of in-flight refuelling support.

Although the US has long provided defence support to Israel, the risks of deeper military involvement remain high, as Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal threatens bases throughout the Middle East and much of Europe. This arsenal has demonstrated high precision and the ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace, underscoring the strategic challenge facing Washington and its allies.

By Khagan Isayev