The KC-135 made its debut on Aug. 31, 1956, and still remains vital even as the Air Force continues to modernize its air refueling fleet.
A French A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Phénix refueled U.S. and U.K. RC-135 aircraft during a historic exercise over central France, marking the first air-to-air refueling integration among the United States, United Kingdom and France within the RC-135 enterprise.
U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, 2026, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft—marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration.
