U.S. Aircraft Perform Midair Refueling In Dark Skies Over Middle East

Video filmed by U.S. Central Command shows a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon approaching a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling during nighttime operations.

Night-vision footage captures the P-8 Poseidon moving toward the tanker’s refueling boom as both aircraft fly in close formation over dark waters. The KC-135 is marked “940 ARW,” and the boom extends and connects between the two aircraft while lights from the planes remain visible against the black background.

The P-8 Poseidon is a specialized reconnaissance aircraft that is among the assets monitoring regional waters during ongoing operations. The footage shows the aircraft conducting aerial refueling with the KC-135 while enforcing a U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.

On July 30, 2026, U.S. Central Command stated that forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two to ensure full compliance.