RMAF Conducts First Ever Air-to-Air Refuelling Between USAF Tanker, RMAF Sukhoi Fighter

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) created history when it conducted its first ever Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) training between its Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter with the United States’ Air Force (USAF) KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. 

The AAR was held in conjunction with the bilateral Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) training between the RMAF, the United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF) and the Washington Air National Guard (WAANG) from Nov 12 to 13.

The RMAF posted on Facebook informing that the training was an activity planned during the Bilateral Airman-to-Airman Talks between Malaysia and the US.

“AAR training is a refuelling technique from a tanker aircraft to other aircraft requiring fuel when both of them are airborne.

“This technique allows the receiving aircraft to remain flying for a longer period and carry heavier loads during take off and involved a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker and an RMAF Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet,” the RMAF said, adding that AAR training brings various strategic benefits including expanding the range of aircraft operations, boosting readiness and strengthening capabilities to conduct long-range missions without the need to land for refuelling.

It also strengthens coordination between tanker aircraft and those refuelling and increases cooperation between both countries’ air forces.

“Overall, the bilateral training does not only strengthen defence ties between Malaysia and the United States but also boosts RMAF capabilities in conducting joint operations with international partners.

“RMAF will continue to be committed in boosting its capabilities and readiness, in line with the rapid development in defence technology and international cooperation,” the RMAF said.

Meanwhile the US Embassy to Malaysia also posted on Facebook stating that the AAR was the first conducted between USAF and RMAF aircraft.

-- BERNAMA