Finland – A dramatic display of international military coordination unfolded in the skies on June 25, 2025, as multiple fighter jets were refueled midair during exercise Atlantic Trident 25.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, England, carried out the aerial refueling mission.

The tanker refueled U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and F-15 Strike Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England.

French Air and Space Force Rafale Cs, from Mont-de-Marsan’s Fighter Regiment 2/30, Normandie-Niémen, were also part of the operation.

The mission took place over Finland, marking the first time the country has hosted the Atlantic Trident exercise.

Atlantic Trident 25 is a joint training operation between the U.S., U.K., and France. It focuses on building interoperability and ensuring Allied forces can operate as one to secure the Euro-Atlantic region.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download