Footage has emerged showing Iran’s last operational KC-747 aerial refueling tanker engulfed in flames following an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on March 6, 2026. This 55-year-old Boeing 747-100 represented the only remaining flying example of its type, critical to extending the combat range of Iran’s legacy F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat jets.

The destruction of the KC-747 severely reduces Iran’s long-range strike capabilities, limiting the operational reach of its fighter aircraft. U.S. sanctions have prevented Iran from acquiring modern refueling aircraft, making this loss particularly significant in the context of ongoing regional conflicts and air operations.

Video footage captures the aircraft fully ablaze on the tarmac, highlighting both the scale of the strike and the strategic implications for Iran’s aerial logistics. Military analysts note that without mid-air refueling support, Iranian fighters must operate closer to home bases, reducing flexibility and effectiveness during missions.

The loss of the KC-747 exposes vulnerabilities in Iran’s air force infrastructure and highlights the impact of targeted strikes on aging, irreplaceable military assets. This event is likely to influence both Iranian strategic planning and broader regional air power dynamics as hostilities continue.