For the first time, IAF Su-30MKI fighter jets refueled in mid-air with French Air and Space Force tankers. French A330 Multi-Role Tanker/Transport (MRTT) is currently deployed in Queensland's Amberley
Canberra: The Indian Air Force and its brave pilots have always been known for their strong spirit and intentions. Whether it is a matter of juggling in the sky or stepping with planes, Indian Air Force personnel are on top in every such skill. A video of the Indian Air Force’s plane Su-30MKI has surfaced in which these fighter jets are refueling in the air from a tanker aircraft of the French Air and Space Force.
A French Air Force A330 Phénix, deployed for #PitchBlack2022 in Amberley 🇦🇺, refuelled IAF Sukhoi SU-30s ahead of their touchdown in Darwin. This is the first time that 🇫🇷 has refuelled 🇮🇳 jets in flight during their projection. #Interoperability @IAF_MCC @Armee_de_lair pic.twitter.com/WRNuUNaLui
— Emmanuel Lenain 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinIndia) August 18, 2022
This 48-second video created excitement in the audience. Because flying at a height of several thousand feet above the ground, fueling in the air has been an interesting sight for people. Earlier in 2020, when Rafale aircraft from France reached India, they were also filled with fuel in the air.
The IAF contingent was on its way to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Darwin Base to participate in the military exercise, Pitch Black 2022. Meanwhile the fighter jet required refueling during its launch. The French Air Force was contacted and they refueled the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet in the air.
As the #IAF contingent moves into #RAAF Darwin base for #ExPitchBlack22, heartfelt thanks to our friends from the French Air & Space Force for the enroute aerial refuelling support.
Merci beaucoup!@Armee_de_lair pic.twitter.com/5xPvUMiFRy
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 18, 2022
The IAF tweeted and thanked the French Air and Space Force for their support for mid-air refueling. The Air Force tweeted that a heartfelt thanks to our friends from the French Air and Space Force for their support of aerial refueling along the way, while the Air Force contingent was on its way to RAAF Darwin Base for the ExPitchBlack22.
The operation demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the French and Indian Air Forces as the French jets aimed at reaching their 16,600-km deployment destination in less than 72 hours to demonstrate France’s capacity for long-distance air power projection. It also illustrated the concrete implementation of the reciprocal logistics support agreement signed by France and India in 2018.
A French A330 Phénix deployed at Amberley 🇦🇺 for #PitchBlack2022, have been refueling Sukhoi SU-30 from @IAF_MCC before they land on Darwin. It is the first time France 🇫🇷 supports India 🇮🇳 during one of its projection #interoperability. pic.twitter.com/z1k7eWHy8V
— Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (@Armee_de_lair) August 18, 2022
The Sukhoi-30 MKI is a deadly fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. This is an advanced version of Sukhoi-27. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited manufactures this fighter aircraft in India. This fighter jet flies at a maximum speed of 2120 kmph. It is fitted with the Griesev-Shipunov autocannon which fires 150 rounds in a minute.
