The number of US aerial refueling tankers operating in the region is increasing, and dozens have turned off their transponders over Iraq and Jordan, according to a security monitoring report. The report does not specify whether the transponder deactivation is linked to operational security for an imminent mission or part of a broader tactical shift. The Zioneer has previously reported on similar US tanker movements in the region over recent weeks.
Saturday evening reports indicate that the number of US Air Force aerial refueling tankers operating in the region is increasing, and that dozens of these aircraft have turned off their transponders while flying over Iraq and Jordan. The deactivation of transponders is a common operational security measure used to obscure the aircraft's location and flight path, often preceding or accompanying active strike missions.
The Zioneer has previously reported on several instances of US tanker activity in the region over recent weeks, including movements over the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and deployments of fighter squadrons from Jordan. While the current report does not specify the exact number of aircraft involved or their mission, the pattern of transponder deactivation over Iraq and Jordan—key airspace for any potential strike on Iran—suggests a heightened state of readiness.
The report is based on a single source and has not been officially confirmed by the Pentagon or Israeli defense officials. Further details, including whether the tankers are supporting fighter jet operations, are not yet available.
- DevelopingUS aerial tankers switch transponders back on above Saudi Arabia
- DevelopingAbu Saleh's Arabic Desk reports eight aerial refueling tankers now active over Persian Gulf
- StrongNine refueling aircraft patrol Persian Gulf, tankers depart Ben Gurion with transponders off
- DevelopingMultiple US aerial refueling tankers depart Middle East
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Open-source intake