U.S. KC-135 Tanker Conducts Historic First Aerial Refueling RMAF Sukhoi Su-30 Fighters
The air-to-air refueling (AAR) exercise between the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF) along with the Washington Air National Guard (WAANG) involved a KC-135 aircraft from the USAF and RMAF’s Su-30MKM and F/A-18D aircraft.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a historic first, a U.S. KC-135 tanker successfully refueled Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sukhoi Su-30 fighters.
The RMAF conducted an air-to-air refueling (AAR) exercise with the United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF) and the Washington Air National Guard (WAANG) on November 12 and 13.
According to an RMAF social media statement, the AAR exercise is one of the activities planned as an outcome of the Bilateral Airman-to-Airman Talks between the two countries.
“AAR is a technique for transferring fuel from one aircraft, known as the tanker, to another aircraft that requires refueling while both are in flight,” the statement read.
“This technique allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods and carry heavier payloads during takeoff. The exercise involved a KC-135 aircraft from the USAF, as well as the RMAF’s SU-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet aircraft.”
On the first day, the exercise began with an academic session led by Squadron 141, covering the fundamental theory and procedures of AAR.