- Landmark Operation Enhances Interoperability Between Allied Air Forces
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has successfully conducted air-to-air refueling operations with a German Air Force Atlas A400M tanker for the first time. The milestone mission, carried out both during daylight and nighttime conditions, marks a significant step in strengthening operational flexibility and interoperability between allied air forces.
The RAF confirmed the operation on February 21, 2025, highlighting the importance of qualifying Typhoon pilots to refuel from a different type of tanker aircraft. Both the RAF and the German Air Force are deployed in the region as part of the International Counter Daesh Coalition, where joint operations enhance the coalition’s overall effectiveness.
Wing Commander Pearson, a Typhoon Squadron Commander based in the Middle East, underscored the importance of this exercise:
“This exercise enhances agility and strengthens the coalition’s operational effectiveness. The ability to refuel from multiple tanker types provides increased flexibility in mission planning and execution, ensuring we can sustain air operations in a dynamic and challenging environment.”
Air-to-air refueling is a critical capability for sustaining combat air patrols, extending the operational reach of fighter aircraft, and ensuring a continuous air presence in key mission areas. The international coalition against Daesh has long relied on a variety of aerial refueling platforms provided by partner nations. The RAF regularly operates its Airbus A330 Voyager multi-role tanker transport aircraft to support operations, while other allies contribute their respective tanker platforms.
The latest operation with the German A400M expands the RAF’s refueling options and showcases the adaptability of coalition forces. Images released by the RAF featured a German Air Force A400M, registered as 54+46, equipped with under-wing hose-and-drogue refueling pods. The tanker played a pivotal role in sustaining RAF Typhoons in the air, allowing pilots to practice refueling under realistic operational conditions.
While RAF Typhoon pilots are well-versed in refueling from the Voyager tanker, operating with the A400M required adjustments due to key differences. Factors such as refueling airspeed, hose behavior, basket size and shape, and nighttime lighting all presented new challenges that pilots had to navigate.
A Typhoon pilot who participated in the operation described the experience:
“We are well trained and experienced in refueling from the Voyager aircraft as operated by the RAF and other nations. Refueling from the A400M, however, was different because of subtleties that make a surprisingly big difference—such as refueling airspeed, hose response and markings, basket size and shape, and aircraft lighting at night. The German crews were extremely professional, and we enjoy working with them a great deal.”
The nighttime aspect of the operation was particularly challenging. Effective lighting on both the tanker and receiver aircraft is crucial for successful refueling in darkness. The operation required precise coordination between RAF pilots and the German tanker crew to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Despite these complexities, the mission was executed successfully, reinforcing the high level of training and professionalism within both air forces.
The Airbus A400M is a versatile military transport aircraft designed to handle both strategic and tactical missions. While its primary role is airlift operations, carrying troops, vehicles, and cargo, the aircraft is also capable of conducting air-to-air refueling when equipped with external refueling pods.
The RAF operates 22 A400Ms as part of its transport fleet, but unlike their German counterparts, RAF aircraft are not currently configured for aerial refueling operations. The German Air Force has optimized its A400Ms for this role, adding a valuable capability to coalition operations.
Germany’s commitment to enhancing its aerial refueling capability was demonstrated in mid-2024, when the German Air Force successfully conducted in-flight refueling between two of its own A400M aircraft for the first time. This achievement followed an earlier milestone in December 2023, when an RAF Voyager refueled a German A400M during a joint exercise.
These successes highlight the increasing cooperation between the RAF and the German Air Force, ensuring that allied nations can rely on a wider range of refueling assets to support their missions.
The A400M has been a critical component of German military aviation for over a decade. The first aircraft was delivered to the Bundeswehr on December 18, 2014, and arrived at Wunstorf Air Base the following day, where Germany’s 62nd Air Transport Wing (LTG 62) is based.
As of December 2024, Airbus had delivered 48 of the 53 A400Ms ordered by the German Armed Forces. The fleet has seen a sharp increase in operational activity, surpassing 51,000 flight hours by November 2024—nearly half of those hours accumulated in just the past two years. This reflects the growing demand for the aircraft as security challenges evolve.
Beyond its refueling role, the A400M serves as a key logistics and humanitarian asset. Its ability to transport heavy equipment, deploy troops, and conduct medical evacuation (MedEvac) missions makes it indispensable for both combat and peacetime operations. In its MedEvac configuration, the A400M can carry up to six patient transport units, including two equipped for intensive care.
The successful completion of RAF Typhoon refueling trials with the German A400M represents a significant advancement in interoperability within the coalition. By expanding the range of refueling options available to allied air forces, the mission enhances flexibility and resilience in combat operations.
Looking ahead, continued cooperation between the RAF and the German Air Force will further strengthen coalition airpower. As international security dynamics continue to shift, the ability to operate seamlessly alongside allied forces remains a critical component of mission success.
The RAF and its coalition partners remain committed to sustaining air superiority in the Middle East and beyond. By embracing new refueling platforms and refining interoperability, allied air forces are better equipped to meet the challenges of modern aerial warfare.
With the successful integration of the German A400M into RAF refueling operations, the coalition takes another step toward a more cohesive and adaptable airpower strategy—one that ensures continued effectiveness in countering threats and supporting global security efforts.
