A German Air Force Atlas A400M has conducted air-to-air refueling with a British Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon for the first time.
The RAF announced on February 21, 2025, operations were carried out during night and day to qualify pilots in refueling from a different aircraft type.
Both the RAF and German Air Force are currently on joint operation in the Middle East as part of the International Counter Daesh Coalition and said that such operations “increase their overall capability”.
“Developing this new capability is extremely important as it adds increased flexibility and agility to our air operations here. Operating together strengthens the coalition collectively,” said Wing Commander Pearson, an RAF Typhoon Squadron Commander in the Middle East.
The international coalition in the region has long carried out air-to-air refueling using various tankers from members.
The RAF contributes Voyager multi-role transport tankers to the coalition for such operations and regularly refuel the aircraft from other nation partners. Likewise, RAF aircraft regularly refuel from other country’s tanker aircraft.
“We are well trained and experienced in refuelling from the Voyager aircraft as operated by the RAF and other nations, refuelling from A400M however was different because of subtleties that make a surprisingly big difference; such as refuelling airspeed, hose response and markings, basket size and shape and aircraft lighting at night,” a RAF Typhoon pilot said.
The pilot added: “The German crews were extremely professional, and we enjoy working with them a great deal.”
The Atlas A400M is usually configured as a tactical transport aircraft and the RAF operated aircraft are utilized to sustain UK military activities in the Middle East and around the world.
The German Air Force, however, can also configure their aircraft for the air-to-air refueling role.
