U.S. Super Hornet refuels British F-35B over the North Sea. Photo: X @58thTFS
A F/A-18E Super Hornet from the U.S. Navy, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 and stationed on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, recently performed an impressive maneuver by refueling a British F-35B from HMS Prince of Wales over the North Sea.
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The operation, conducted on October 18, was part of the current deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in the operational area of the U.S. 6th Fleet, aimed at supporting the regional objectives of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa.
The maneuver utilized the “buddy-buddy” method, in which one aircraft refuels another in flight using an external fuel pod. This method, commonly employed between compatible aircraft, allows a fighter, like the F/A-18E Super Hornet, to extend the range and endurance of another aircraft — in this case, the British F-35B. This technique enables aircraft to conduct prolonged missions without the need for dedicated tanker aircraft, which is especially valuable during operations in remote areas or long patrols.
Joint operations of this nature play a crucial role in enhancing interoperability and communication between U.S. and UK forces, a priority objective for NATO. Joint practice improves operational coordination, ensuring that both nations are aligned and ready to act together on strategic missions.
The operation aligns with NATO’s Neptune Strike 24-2 objectives, a recent multinational exercise designed to protect strategic maritime areas in the North, Baltic, and Mediterranean seas. Activities during Neptune Strike included air-to-ground integration, amphibious landings, and mine countermeasures operations, reinforcing readiness and cohesion among NATO member countries.
Source: UKDefJournal. Photo and video: X @58thTFS. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
