MANAMA: As a routine exercise, this iteration supports the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to expand integration with the Royal Bahraini Air Force by exercising aerial refueling, coalition command and control, tactical integration, and expanded air-air-air engagements for U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel.
The Ballast Cannon series of exercises allows the U.S. and Bahrain to train alongside one another to test collaborative techniques and develop common operating procedures to execute aerial refueling from KC-135s in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Enduring partnerships throughout the U.S. Central Command theater enable routine events such as Ballast Cannon, which strengthen coalition cohesion, enhance multi-domain proficiency, and set the stage for future combined defense of the Arabian Peninsula missions.
