The operation, which involved connecting the aircraft in close formation at more than 800 kilometres per hour, marked the first time an operational P-8A squadron from the US Navy was refuelled by a KC-30A.

During the operation, crews were required to ensure the KC-30A’s 17-metre refuelling boom remained plugged into a receptacle above the P-8A’s cockpit.

This formed part of US Navy Patrol Squadron 47’s (or Golden Swordsmen’s) visit to Australia in support of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Certification Period training on Bass Strait.

The squadron is currently deployed to Misawa Air Base in Aomori, Japan, conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theatre outreach operations under Commander Task Force 72.

USN P-8A refuelling operations with the RAAF KC-30A was an important milestone. 

“We were excited to participate in this historic refuelling event between the RAAF and USN,” Commodore of Commander Task Force 72, Captain Clifford Toraason, said.

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“Every chance to continue to improve our interoperability with such a close and valued ally as Australia is a valuable opportunity.”

RAAF KC-30As have previously refuelled with a USN P-8A during a test flight program in the US, as well as with the RAAF’s own P-8As flown by No. 11 Squadron.

Officer Commanding of RAAF No. 86 Wing, Group Captain Brent Taylor, noted the importance of air-to-air refuelling operations in the Indo-Pacific.

“The KC-30A carries over 100 tonnes – or 220,000 pounds – of fuel and can offload that to another aircraft at a considerable distance from its home base,” GPCAPT Taylor said.

“… Air-to-air refuelling provides a means of overcoming challenges to joint forces operating in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly by allowing aircraft to operate at much longer ranges.

“Refuelling a surveillance aircraft like the P-8A also provides it with persistence in the joint space and adds flexibility to how it might support the fleet.”

Introduced to RAAF service in 2012, the KC-30A is a converted Airbus A330-200 airliner, carrying a range of airborne refuelling systems and other modifications for its role.

The KC-30A entered service with the RAAF in 2012, which operates a fleet of seven KC-30As from RAAF Base Amberley, near Brisbane.

“Since we introduced the KC-30A, the crews from RAAF No. 33 Squadron have built their reputation on being easy to work with on exercises and operations,” GPCAPT Taylor added.

RAAF crews recently conducted training in Guam alongside US F-16s and F/A-18s for Exercise Cope North 2022, and trained with US Air Force B-1Bs and US Marine Corps F-35Bs last year.

[Related: RAAF, RAN take part in Operation Solania]