Tracking source: Refueling aircraft active over Persian Gulf with transponders off

A monitoring source reports that refueling aircraft are currently active over the Persian Gulf, with some believed to have their transponders turned off. The source estimates that additional aircraft may be present, though their affiliation and mission are not specified.

A single tracking source reported the presence of refueling aircraft over the Persian Gulf early Wednesday, with at least some operating with transponders disabled. The source believes additional aircraft may be airborne but went undetected due to the transponder blackout. The affiliation and purpose of the activity remain unconfirmed. The Zioneer has previously reported on multiple instances of tanker aircraft activity over the Persian Gulf in recent weeks, often with transponders turned off, though the operational significance of the pattern has not been publicly clarified.

3 developments

1. 3 hours ago · 02:13 · 8 JulLatest

   Seven tankers, including one Emirati, and a US P-8A are airborne.

2. 01:51 · 8 Jul

   Refueling aircraft observed operating with transponders turned off.

3. 23:28 · 7 Jul

   Reports: US tanker aircraft conduct extensive activity over Persian Gulf alongside GPS jamming

• Developing23:37 · 26 JunAt least five US aerial refueling tankers and a Navy P-8A Poseidon fly over the Strait of Hormuz
• Strong01:18 · 11 JunAt least ten US aerial tankers now active over the Persian Gulf
• Developing01:54 · 27 JunMultiple US aerial refueling tankers depart Middle East
• Developing14:27 · 27 JunFive refueling, two surveillance aircraft active over Persian Gulf

Source and signal

• Internal intake