First Russian fighter refuelled from USAF KC-135

THE Washington Air National Guard’s (WA ANG) 141st Air Refuelling Wing successfully refuelled Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft during a State Partnership Program engagement in Malaysia on November 12. It was a historic occasion as it marked the first time a US Air Force tanker refuelled fighter jets of Russian origin.

The USAF Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker completed air-to-air-refuelling (AAR) of a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Su-30MKMs in the skies over Peninsular Malaysia using the multi-point refuelling systems (MPRS). Similar to US Navy and US Marine Corps as well as allied aircraft, the Sukhois are equipped with an In-Flight Refuelling (IFR) probe which uses the hose and drogue system.

A USAF statement read, “Since 2017, the Washington Air National Guard has maintained a strong partnership with Malaysia, improving interoperability and integrated capabilities. Engagements like this reinforce initiatives led by our allies and partners, projecting strength by utilizing both distinctive U.S. capabilities and those shared with allies and partners. Together, these efforts leverage cultural, strategic, and operational advantages that are essential to our shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.”

While designed for boom refuelling in mind, the Stratotanker can also carry out drogue refuelling via a boom-drogue adapter.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:USAF)