Battle Scarred Stratotanker Transits Through UK Towards the U.S. for Repairs

The visibly patched-up KC-135R Stratotanker that arrived at RAF Mildenhall on Apr. 12, 2026 was among the aircraft deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base when it was struck by Iran in March. After KC-135 Stratotanker 59-1444 arrived at RAF Mildenhall as REACH 717, spotters at the fenceline immediately noted its unusual appearance. Small unpainted patches of bodywork could be seen across the airframe, a telltale sign of battle damage repairs (BDR) made in the field. The spread of the small repairs is indicative of shrapnel damage from nearby explosions. The aircraft had been noted deploying from the U.S. to the...