Aussie KC-30A back on Middle East operations

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An Australian KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft has recommenced operations in the Middle East.

CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport lands at the main air operating base in the Middle East Region. Photo by Tech Sergeant Jocelyn A Ford.

The KC-30A deployment is part of Operation Okra, supporting the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission to defeat Daesh.

Despite its territorial defeat, Daesh continues to pose a security threat in the Middle East region and beyond.

The KC-30A will provide important air-to-air refuelling capability, which is essential to sustain effective Coalition air operations against Daesh.

Group Captain Paul Long, Commander of Australia’s Air Task Group in the Middle East, said the aircraft was one of the most advanced air refuelling platforms of its type in the world, generating greater reach for Coalition air operations.

“The KC-30A can operate at long ranges, delivering significant payloads of fuel to a wide variety of Coalition aircraft,” Group Captain Long said.

The aircraft is equipped with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems, which allow it to refuel almost all aircraft in theatre, including all F/A-18 Hornet variants, F-16 Falcons,  AV-8B Harriers, Eurofighters, Dassault Rafales, C-17A Globemasters and more.

The last time our KC30A was in the Middle East, it clocked up its 100,000,000th – yes, that’s 100millionth – pound of fuel delivered during air-to-air refuel missions on Operation Okra.

 

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