Italian Air Force KC-767A spotted over Syria

This morning, an Italian Air Force Boeing KC-767A (reg. MM62226, callsign GOSSIP12) was tracked orbiting over central Syria, near Palmyra.

It’s the first time we’ve ever tracked an Italian tanker flying over Syrian airspace, an area usually monitored only by U.S., British, or French aircraft involved in anti-ISIS operations.

At first glance, this does not appear to be a signal error, as the track was consistent and lasted for several minutes before the aircraft turned west.

The Italian tanker was most likely providing air-to-air refueling support to coalition aircraft engaged in ongoing missions against the remnants of ISIS in eastern Syria and western Iraq.

This sighting confirms once again the active involvement of Italian assets within the anti-ISIS coalition, operating from Kuwait under Operation Inherent Resolve.