U.S. Central Command Area Of Responsibility – A U.S. Navy F/A‑18F Super Hornet was refueled in midair by a U.S. Air Force KC‑135 Stratotanker during a mission on March 8, 2026, as part of the ongoing bombing campaign against Iran.

The refueling took place high above the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, with the two aircraft remaining aloft while fuel was transferred from the KC‑135 to the fighter jet.

Aerial refueling like this allows combat aircraft to stay in the air longer and continue carrying out sorties against Iranian targets without returning to base.

The operation occurred amid intensifying U.S. strikes on Iran, where thousands of airstrikes have targeted Iranian military forces and infrastructure since the campaign began. U.S. officials describe the offensive as aiming to degrade Iran’s missile forces and naval capabilities.

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