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RMAF's Russian Sukhois perform air-to-air refuelling with American tanker in 'historic' first

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), together with the US Air Force (USAF), made history by conducting the first air-to-air refuelling mission between the USAF's KC-135 Stratotanker, and the RMAF's Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker.

The in-flight refuelling exercise was part of a bilateral Subject Matter Expert Exchange between the RMAF and the United States Pacific Air Forces and Washington Air National Guard on Nov 12 and Nov 13.

The RMAF, in a Facebook post, said the training was part of activities planned following the Bilateral Airman-to-Airman Talks between the two countries.

"The training involved a KC-135 aircraft from the USAF and SU-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet aircraft from the RMAF.

"Air-to-air refuelling is a technique of transferring fuel from one aircraft, known as the tanker, to another aircraft requiring fuel while both are airborne. 

"This technique enables the receiving aircraft to stay airborne longer and carry a heavier payload during take-off," RMAF said.

The USAF uses the 'flying boom' method of in-flight refuelling, while the RMAF uses the 'probe-and-drogue' approach. Both systems require different equipment, hardware, and procedures. The USAF's KC-135 tanker aircraft was fitted with a hose-and-reel system to enable the RMAF jets to link up and take fuel from the Stratotanker.

The RMAF said the training provides various strategic benefits, such as extending aircraft operational range, enhancing readiness, and strengthening the capability to undertake long-range missions without needing to land for refuelling. 

"It also enhances coordination between tanker and receiver aircraft and boosts cooperation between the air forces of both nations in joint operations.

"Overall, this bilateral training not only strengthens defence ties between Malaysia and the US but also enhances the RMAF's capability to conduct operations with international partners," it said.

RMAF added that it remains committed to advancing the capabilities and readiness of Malaysia's air force, aligned with the rapid developments in defence technology and international collaboration.

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