KC 135 Refuels F 35A Over Rockies During Guard Training
A KC 135 Stratotanker conducted an aerial refueling of an F 35A Lightning II over the Rocky Mountains on Jan. 10, 2026, highlighting the Air National Guard’s role in sustaining fifth generation fighter operations across the United States.
The tanker aircraft was assigned to the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing, while the receiving aircraft, an F 35A Lightning II, belonged to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing. The operation took place during a routine training mission designed to maintain aircrew readiness and interoperability.
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Aerial refueling remains a core enabler of U.S. airpower, extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft while reducing reliance on forward bases. For the F 35A, which is increasingly fielded across Guard units, reliable tanker support is critical for both homeland defense and overseas deployments.
The KC 135 Stratotanker, despite its age, continues to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s refueling fleet. According to the U.S. Air Force, the aircraft provides fuel to a wide range of receivers, including fighters, bombers, and intelligence platforms, and is expected to remain in service alongside the newer KC 46 Pegasus for years to come.
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Training missions over complex terrain such as the Rockies add realism, requiring precise formation flying and fuel transfer under challenging weather and altitude conditions. Air National Guard officials regularly note that these missions mirror the demands crews would face during real world operations.
The 115th Fighter Wing was among the first Guard units to transition to the F 35A, marking a major modernization step for state based air defense forces. The Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Wing continues to support both domestic and global missions through its refueling role.
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