US Air Force's 'flying gas station' goes missing over Qatar after emergency alert

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker lost signal over the Gulf after transmitting a general emergency alert.

In Short

• Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft sending the universal 7700 emergency code
• The tanker disappeared from public radar coverage while flying above Qatar
• Reports said the aircraft was likely heading towards a military base

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, often referred to as a “flying gas station” for its aerial refuelling capabilities, reportedly lost signal while flying over the Gulf region after broadcasting a general emergency alert.

Flight-tracking systems showed the aircraft transmitting a 7700 squawk code, the international signal for a general emergency, before it disappeared from public radar over Qatar, raising concerns over a possible communication or operational issue. The aircraft is believed to have been heading towards a military base at the time, according to reports.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran despite the ceasefire following the West Asian conflict.

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