Royal Air Force Conducts a First Air-to-Air Refueling With German Tanker

RAF Typhoons conducted the operation with an Atlas A400M.

Kimberly Johnson

Friday, February 21, 2025 at 05:01 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

RAF Typhoons conducted the operation with an Atlas A400M. [Credit: German Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted its first air-to-air refueling of Typhoon jets using a German Air Force Atlas A400M.
This operation, performed during both day and night, aims to increase operational flexibility and agility, strengthening the International Counter Daesh Coalition in the Middle East.
RAF pilots noted subtle differences in refueling from the A400M compared to their usual Voyager tankers, requiring adaptation to factors like airspeed, hose response, and lighting.

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The Royal Air Force (RAF) has conducted its first air-to-air refueling of Typhoons with a German Air Force Atlas A400M in an operation aimed at increasing capability as part of an international coalition.

The Typhoon pilots conducted the operations during both day and night flights in order to qualify in refueling from different aircraft types, RAF said. The aircraft are based in the Middle East and operating as part of the International Counter Daesh Coalition.