New Photos Offer Clearest View Yet Of Temporary Repairs On KC-135 Damaged During Iran War

The battle-damaged Alaskan ANG KC-135R departed RAF Mildenhall on its way home from Operation Epic Fury, showing the massive temporary repairs performed to make the aircraft airworthy for the return flight. On May 30, 2026, the KC-135R 63-8028, belonging to the 168th ARS Eielson AFB, Alaska Air National Guard, took off from RAF Mildenhall, UK, on its way home to Eielson AFB, Alaska. The aircraft sustained battle damage during Operation Epic Fury, the Iran War, and was temporarily repaired at an undisclosed location before flying to RAF Mildenhall.