On February 21, 2025, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Air Force announced a significant military cooperation: for the first time, the two air forces carried out an aerial refueling between a German Atlas A400M and a British Typhoon fighter aircraft. The operations took place both during the day and at night and aimed to qualify the pilots to refuel another type of aircraft. This successful test is part of the ongoing joint operations of the two armed forces in the Middle East, which are being carried out as part of the international coalition to combat the "Islamic State" (Daesh).
The aerial refuelling represents a further step in the intensification of cooperation between the two air forces. In a statement, Wing Commander Pearson, commander of an RAF Typhoon squadron in the Middle East, stressed: "The development of this new capability is of enormous importance as it increases our flexibility and agility in air operations here in the Middle East. Operating together strengthens the coalition as a whole." Aerial refuelling is an essential component of modern air warfare as it significantly extends the range and endurance of combat aircraft, thus enabling increased operational capacity.
Aerial refuelling is not a new practice for the international coalition in the region, which has long relied on tanker aircraft from various nations. The UK provides multi-role transport tankers with its Voyager aircraft, which are regularly used to support partner nations' air operations. Likewise, RAF aircraft frequently refuel other tanker aircraft from nations that are members of the coalition.
The Challenges of Aerial Refueling
Although RAF pilots already have extensive experience refuelling Voyager aircraft, working with the German A400M presented a new challenge. One RAF Typhoon pilot explained that aerial refuelling from an A400M was different due to "the subtleties that make a surprisingly big difference", including the speed of refuelling, the response of the refuelling hose, the size and shape of the tank and the lighting of the aircraft at night. These factors, which vary in detail, required pilots to finely adapt their skills and close cooperation between the two air forces.
The pilot emphasized that the cooperation with the German crews was "extremely professional" and that it was a pleasure to work with them. This positive feedback underlines the high standards of the German Air Force and the smooth integration of the German and British pilots during joint operations.
The Airbus A400M: A versatile aircraft
The Airbus A400M is actually designed as a tactical transport aircraft, capable of heavy loads and troop transport. However, its versatility is also demonstrated by its ability to be configured for aerial refueling. The German Air Force has used this capability to expand its operational capabilities and become more involved in multinational missions. The A400M's size and capabilities give it the flexibility to be used as both a transport aircraft and a tanker aircraft.
The RAF, on the other hand, relies on its Typhoon fighter aircraft, which are best known for air superiority operations and aerial attacks on ground targets. The ability to resupply these aircraft with fuel through aerial refuelling during their operations in the Middle East extends their range and thus increases the effectiveness of the British armed forces in the region.
Outlook on future cooperation
This first aerial refueling between the two air forces has the potential to further intensify military cooperation in the international context. The operations in the Middle East currently being conducted as part of the international coalition to combat Daesh could benefit significantly from such an expanded aerial refueling capability. In an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, it is vital that allied forces can draw on a variety of resources and capabilities to successfully complete their missions.
The further development of such operations will not only strengthen the interoperative capability of the two air forces, but also increase confidence in the ability of the international coalition to respond flexibly to various challenges. Air refueling, which is considered one of the more demanding operations in aviation, shows the high level of cooperation and professionalism required in the collaboration between the German and British armed forces. In the future, similar air refueling operations between other members of the coalition and other aircraft types could play an even greater role.
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