Having the skill and capability to aerial refuel aircraft was limited to fewer than a handful of countries. It is no mean feat and makes the master a member of the military elite who can send warplanes on strike missions around the world. News reports last week quoting a Chinese military newspaper say China has joined this club. Read our article on the birth of air-to-air refueling here.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
