An Interoperable aerial refueling method enables tanker aircraft configured with a boom and receiver refueling system to refuel an aircraft configured for the probe and drogue refueling system. In one embodiment, a receptacle, coupled to a refueling drogue, is configured to fluidly receive a terminal portion of a refueling boom is. A retainer is coupled to an aircraft that removably retains the receptacle when the aircraft is refueling another aircraft configured to directly engage the boom. The receptacle releases the receptacle when the terminal portion of the boom engages the receptacle so that an aircraft that receives the refueling drogue may be refueled.