F-35s Refuel In The Skies Over The Middle East During U.S. Military Patrol

This is the moment U.S. Air Force F-35A fighter jets refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a military patrol in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The footage, recorded on August 19, 2026, shows airmen aboard the KC-135 during the aerial refueling mission, including views from the tanker interior and boom operator station as the F-35s take fuel.

Air Forces Central described the mission as routine tanker support for threat deterrence patrols. Similar KC-135 missions during the summer and September involved refueling F-35As and F-16s over undisclosed locations in the CENTCOM area.

The footage was posted on September 29, more than a month after it was recorded. The exact base and flight path were not released.

There was no indication that the specific flight shown was connected to a named strike or combat operation.