U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on September 17, 2025, that an Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted in-flight refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Egypt’s western desert during Exercise Bright Star 25. The operation, captured in aerial imagery, showcased seamless coordination between the two nations’ air forces.
Flying from a forward-deployed base, the KC-135 performed the refueling at cruising altitude, extending the F-16’s range and endurance for a simulated long-range strike mission. Beyond its technical achievement, the event underscored the strategic importance of maintaining operational reach for allied aircraft, particularly in regions where airbase access can be limited or contested.
Bright Star, first launched in 1980 after the Camp David Accords, has become the Middle East’s largest multinational exercise. More than 30 nations and 8,000 troops are participating in Bright Star 25, which features air-to-air combat, live-fire drills, amphibious landings, and special operations missions across all domains.
This year’s exercise comes amid growing instability across North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, where threats range from cross-border attacks and drone strikes to disruptions of key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal. Egypt remains a central security partner for Washington, and exercises like Bright Star strengthen interoperability while demonstrating the U.S. commitment to regional stability.
The Egyptian Air Force fields more than 200 F-16s, primarily Block 40 and 42 variants upgraded with precision-guided munitions, targeting pods, and night operation capabilities. Their effectiveness in long-range missions, however, depends on aerial refueling support—largely provided by U.S. KC-135 tankers.
Developed by Boeing and entering service in the late 1950s, the KC-135 Stratotanker can offload more than 41,000 kg of fuel per sortie and operate above 40,000 feet. Despite its age, the aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to remain a key enabler of long-range operations and a force multiplier for allied air forces.
Bright Star 25 will continue through late September, with upcoming phases including maritime interdiction operations in the Mediterranean, combined arms urban warfare training, and joint special forces missions. The KC-135 will remain integral, ensuring persistent air presence and mission continuity throughout the exercise.
