Nine refueling aircraft are patrolling around the Persian Gulf, while additional tankers have departed Ben Gurion Airport with transponders disabled, heading toward Iran, according to a tracking source. The source assesses that the activity is not operational.
A tracking source reports that nine refueling aircraft are currently patrolling around the Persian Gulf, and additional tankers have departed Ben Gurion Airport with their transponders switched off, heading toward Iran. The source notes that despite the movement, the activity is not operational.
Similar tanker movements have been reported by The Zioneer in recent weeks, including multiple reports of US Air Force tankers operating over the Persian Gulf. The current report does not specify the nationality of the aircraft, but the pattern of tanker activity has been a recurring feature of the regional security landscape.
The assessment that the activity is not operational suggests the movements may be routine patrols or logistical positioning rather than a prelude to a strike.
2 developments
- DevelopingFive refueling, two surveillance aircraft active over Persian Gulf
- StrongSeven US aerial refueling tankers now active over the Persian Gulf
- StrongUnusual tanker aircraft movement detected over the Persian Gulf
- DevelopingThree KC-135 tankers take off from Ben Gurion with transponders off, say spotters
Source and signal
- Internal intake