As a Norwegian F-35A Lightning II carefully approaches the rear of a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, tension fills the air. The highly focused boom operator aboard the tanker meticulously maneuvers the 30-foot boom toward the fighter jet’s receptacle. Precision is paramount in this intricate dance between two cutting-edge machines, and within moments, the words “You are taking gas” echo through the comms. Thousands of gallons of JP-8 jet fuel are delivered in minutes, ensuring the F-35A can stay airborne to complete its mission.

In an era of complex global security challenges, the need for seamless military cooperation among allied nations is more critical than ever. Multinational exercises like *Cobra Warrior* provide a platform where air forces from around the world can come together to sharpen their skills and enhance their ability to operate jointly in combat scenarios. Hosted by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Cobra Warrior is the UK’s flagship air exercise, bringing together nations from across NATO and beyond to train in realistic, high-threat environments. In the fall of 2024, *Cobra Warrior 24-2* brought U.S. Air Force (USAF) personnel from Aviano Air Base in Italy, alongside their counterparts from Norway, Canada, Finland, and Poland, to the skies over the UK for one of the most intensive training regimens in military aviation.