Which fighter aircraft was fitted with tankers during Operation Iraqi Freedom?

The F-14 Tomcat was notably employed by the U.S. Navy during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was equipped with buddy store tankers to enhance its refueling capabilities. This configuration allowed the F-14 to extend its range and patrol capabilities effectively by enabling it to refuel other aircraft in addition to receiving fuel itself. This feature was particularly advantageous in the complex operational environment of Iraq, where air superiority and prolonged mission durations were critical to mission success.

The other aircraft mentioned, while they have their own unique capabilities, did not serve in the same manner or role with buddy refueling tankers during that conflict. For instance, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-22 Raptor utilized different refueling systems and were not equipped with the buddy store functionality in the same way the F-14 was. The EA-18G Growler, primarily a tactical electronic warfare aircraft, focuses on jamming and electronic support, rather than aerial refueling capabilities. Thus, the F-14 stands out as the aircraft that was specifically tailored for such operations during that conflict.