What is a major benefit of aerial refueling?

A major benefit of aerial refueling is that it extends the operational range of aircraft for longer missions. This capability allows military and other operational aircraft to stay in the air longer without needing to land for refueling, which can be critical in various mission scenarios, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations. By refueling in-flight, aircraft can cover greater distances, loiter over target areas, and maintain a presence without the logistical constraints of landing for fuel.

The other choices do not capture the core advantage of aerial refueling as effectively. While aircraft maintenance is essential for safety and performance, aerial refueling does not eliminate this necessity. Similarly, while aerial refueling can support maintaining a higher speed when moving to new locations, speed is not the primary goal; enhancing operational range is the key advantage. Finally, refueling does not decrease the weight of the aircraft; rather, it enables them to carry heavier payloads or fly longer distances without returning to base for fuel stops.