First conceived during World War 1, mid-air refueling has become a crucial concept of US air supremacy doctrine. And despite the idea not being thoroughly developed until the Cold War era, being able to extend the ranges of bombers and fighters by a factor of five or more became a significant threat to the Soviet Union, as American warplanes could now reach every corner of their territory.

Today, the US has over 700 tanker aircraft, more than double what the rest of the world has combined. And if that weren’t enough, the Navy will now revolutionize the United States’ already remarkable capabilities by unleashing the first aerial refueling drone. The futuristic-looking Boeing MQ-25 Stingray is designed to continue boosting the range of American aircraft worldwide by deploying from aircraft carriers, intercepting friendly planes, refueling them, and returning to base, all while being remotely operated.

If the project succeeds, it will not only bolster America’s already unmatched air supremacy around the world, but it will also unveil a new age of synchronized man and unmanned aircraft operations, promising to keep the US ahead of any antagonistic military forces…