Exercise Cobra Warrior: Strengthening alliances through Air Refueling Published Sept. 21, 2025 By Senior Airman Katie Mullikin 100th Air Refueling Wing ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England. -- Team Mildenhall is participating in the RAF-led exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 over the North Sea, Sept. 12 to Oct. 2, 2025. Cobra Warrior is a biannual tactical training event that brings together NATO Allies and Partners. The exercise fosters adaptive warfighting capabilities, integrates diverse assets, and develops tactical interoperability skills within a contested and dynamic operational environment. An RAF P-8A Poseidon from the 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, United Kingdom, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, for a simulated aerial refueling exercise during Cobra Warrior 25-2 over the North Sea, Sept. 17, 2025. Cobra Warrior 25-2 brought together allied and partner nation air forces to train in a demanding and realistic environment to ensure forces remain integrated, adaptable, and prepared to meet global challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie Mullikin) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “Cobra Warrior 25-2 demonstrates our commitment to the RAF and the combined force inside the alliance,” said Col. Scott Korell, 100th Operations Group commander. “With strong repetition and proficiency in operational integration at the highest levels we are able to build credibility and with credibility comes confidence and confidence then builds trust.” Training for the 351st Air Refueling Squadron air crews included air interdiction, dynamic targeting, offensive counter air, defensive counter air, suppression of enemy air defense, and personnel recovery. U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Blatchford, right, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, and his co-pilot fly a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, during exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 over Suffolk, United Kingdom, Sept. 17, 2025. Cobra Warrior 25-2 demonstrated the UK’s commitment to NATO, the joint expeditionary force and broader international security, reinforcing strong global relationships built on shared objectives, interoperability and cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie Mullikin) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Team Mildenhall Airmen provided ground and air support for more than 20 aerial refueling missions, including an RAF P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, United Kingdom. “Air refueling is important for large-force employment exercises like Cobra Warrior because it allows increased flexibility for both fighter and mobility aircraft that are participating in the exercise,” said Capt. Daniel Coolbaugh, 351st ARS pilot. “It gives them more time on station and allows for more detailed planning for contingencies and other methods to achieve their objectives.” Mission success required Airmen from multiple career fields to supply critical manpower. From planning, maintenance and weather to airfield management, Team Mildenhall worked around the clock to sustain KC-135 Stratotankers operations. A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing sits on the flight line ready to participate in exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Sept. 17, 2025. Cobra Warrior 25-2 brought together allied and partner nation air forces to train in demanding and realistic environments to enhance their ability to operate jointly against adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie Mullikin) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The exercise integrated Allied forces and allowed the U.S. Air Force to enhance national defense, deter adversaries and project power. It unified Allied air forces to achieve air superiority as one force and one fight. “Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 gives us the reassurance of our abilities to perform in challenging and complex environments,” said Korell. “I am proud as the 100th Operations Group commander to lead such a fine group of professionals that stand ready anytime and anywhere to project air power.”