Australia, India Agree on Air-to-Air Refuelling Cooperation

Australia and India have formalized an arrangement to enable the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling operations, announced during bilateral discussions on November 21, 2024.

The agreement, signed by Australia’s Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, on November 19 in New Delhi, will allow RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft to refuel Indian military aircraft. The announcement was made by Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, and India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh.

Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating it would strengthen defense ties and enhance regional stability through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. He also emphasized how this agreement improves interoperability and enables more effective cooperation in various scenarios.

The partnership builds on existing collaboration, including training with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft. This arrangement marks the first step toward refuelling P-8I aircraft, which could significantly enhance India's operational reach in the Indo-Pacific.

The new refuelling capability aims to deepen military cooperation, share expertise, and support mutual security objectives in the region.