Images from 24/5 revealed a US KC-135 refueling aircraft, tail number 63-8028, parked at Mildenhall airbase in the UK. The aircraft's tail and flaps displayed dozens of specialized aerospace tape patches, with several more on the vertical stabilizer. Notably, the refueling boom assembly at the rear of the aircraft was absent.

The tape on the KC-135 is specialized aerospace aluminum tape, applied to address minor surface damage until the aircraft can receive full repairs.

KC-135 refueling aircraft with tape on its fuselage at Mildenhall airbase, UK on 24/5. Photo: War Zone

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates the KC-135 belongs to the 168th Air Refueling Wing, a unit of the Alaska Air National Guard. The aircraft departed Ben Gurion international airport in Israel, arriving at Mildenhall airbase on 23/5.

Howard Altman, an editor for the US military news outlet War Zone, stated, "This is the second KC-135 to stop at Mildenhall airbase after sustaining damage in the Middle East conflict."

The first such aircraft landed at Mildenhall airbase on 12/4 and returned to the US two days later. It is likely to be decommissioned and salvaged for parts.

The exact location and timing of the damage to KC-135 tail number 63-8028 remain unknown. However, at least 5 US refueling aircraft were damaged during an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia on 14/3.

KC-135 refueling aircraft with tape on its vertical stabilizer at Mildenhall airbase, UK on 24/5. Photo: War Zone

Altman noted, "FlightRadar24 data shows 63-8028 was still operating at Ben Gurion airport before and after the attack on Prince Sultan airbase. The aircraft then continued to participate in refueling missions. It is possible it was hit elsewhere, or the data does not align with reality."

Tyler Rogoway, another War Zone editor, found a "positive element" in these wartime damages. Rogoway stated, "Repairing damage and returning KC-135 aircraft to service serves as a practical exercise, aiding preparation for a future conflict in the Pacific."

KC-135 refueling aircraft at Mildenhall airbase, UK on 12/4. Video: Instagram/marklynham

Rogoway suggested the US military would undoubtedly extract multiple lessons from the conflict with Iran, including some that "came painfully and should not have happened."

The damage to the KC-135 fleet represents only a fraction of the total losses incurred by the US military in the conflict. Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported that Iranian attacks destroyed or damaged at least 228 US military facilities and equipment across the Middle East, a scale of devastation far exceeding official US statements.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)