Three nations, one force: Allied integration makes the operational world smaller

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.<br /> <img alt="A U.S. Air Force TC-135 assigned to the 55th Wing flies during Exercise Ravitaillement en Vol. The aircraft supported a multinational integration event with the Royal Air Force and French Air and Space Force to demonstrate how NATO partners can operate as an increasingly connected force. The exercise helped establish a repeatable model for future RC-135 air-to-air refueling operations with allied A330 MRTT tanker platforms. (Courtest photo)" src="https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jul/24/2003976240/300/300/0/260717-F-F3336-1291.JPG" /> <br />